Richard Pruitt

1940 - 2022

Richard Pruitt
March 8, 1940 - May 18, 2022
Fort Worth, Texas - On May 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, Richard Carroll "Paw-paw" Pruitt was called home by his Savior, welcoming him into His loving arms and eternal rest.
Richard was born March 8th, 1940 to Walter Claude and Mary Lee Pruitt. He grew up on Fort Worth's Northside in the Rosen Heights neighborhood. Like many of his friends, he was a paper boy for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Rising early each day before school and delivering his route on his bicycle. This early experience helped him develop a work ethic that lasted a lifetime. In 1952, at the Ross Avenue Baptist, Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
He graduated from Technical High School studying graphic arts and drafting. He soon went to work for Richard May Advertising learning silk screen sign making. In 1962, he was hired as an editorial artist by the Star-Telegram. Looking for more opportunity, in 1969, along with partners, Delbert Bailey and Monte Melugin, formed the Bailey-Melugin-Pruitt Agency.
In 1968, Fort Worth held an art contest to design the first City flag which would be taken to the moon by fellow Fort Worthian, Alan Bean. Richard was chosen as the winning entry. Alan Bean, a Paschal High graduate, then requested a Paschal flag that he could take with him on his Apollo 12 mission, Richard submitted his design and was approved to travel to the moon. In 1970, he branched out on his own and founded The Ad Department, which served thousands of clients in the last fifty two years, including his final client until his health finally forced his retirement a few weeks ago.
Richard fell in love with Judith Rae Helmecke, and they were married in February, 1962. Their union produced three children, Scott, Stephen, and Amy. Happily married until 1983 when Judy unexpectedly passed away.
In 2001, Richard married Hadley Powell after a 4 year relationship. They had had over twenty blessed years of marriage, welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren in to the family while enjoying many travel opportunities. Hadley graciously cared for him until his passing.
He was preceded in death, by his parents, Walter and Mary Lee, brothers, Dee C. and Jimmy, wife Judy, and son Stephen. Richard is survived by his wife Hadley Pruitt, son Scott Pruitt and wife Georganna, Amy Mauldin and husband Mark and brother Donald Pruitt Grandchildren, Roland Pope, Judy K. Pope, Emily Pruitt, Stephen Christian Pruitt. Great-grandchildren, Brensen, Caden. and "Baby" Pope debuting, in July.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 11, 2022, 11:00 A.M., at Northside Baptist Church, 910 North Main St. Weatherford, TX 76086