Dewey N Pruitt

Dewey Noel Pruitt was a hardworking family man and a beloved husband. Known for his quick wit and playful spirit, he rarely had a serious conversation without slipping in a joke. Yet beneath the humor was a deeply loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He took great pride in everything he did and was truly a jack of all trades. Dewey had a way of brightening every room he entered and always left those around him smiling.

Dewey went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 3, 2025, at the age of 85, at the Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on September 17, 1939, in Antioch, Arkansas, to JC and Lillian Pruitt. Dewey was a devoted and loving brother to his siblings: Bartis Pruitt, Jean Mulholland, Charles Pruitt, Ronnie Pruitt, and Sheila Bullock.

Dewey spent most of his early childhood in Antioch, Arkansas, before his family relocated to California for a few years. In 1948, they returned to Arkansas, traveling by train to settle in Beebe. Dewey graduated from high school in Beebe and, in 1957, enlisted in the Army National Guard. He soon transitioned to active duty in the U.S. Army, serving a tour in Germany. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to Beebe in 1960.

In the early 1960s, Dewey met and fell in love with Barbara. The two were married in March of 1962 and remained devoted to one another for 63 years. Throughout their life together, they faced challenges with resilience and shared countless adventures. For a time, they owned and operated a dairy farm, working tirelessly to meet the demands of farm life. Later, they transitioned to managing and renovating rental properties, always collaborating closely to bring their shared vision to life. Dewey deeply loved Barbara and remained a devoted husband, continuing to honor her memory even after her passing in May of 2025.

In August of 1973, Dewey and Barbara welcomed their son, Robert Preston Pruitt, who quickly became the center of their world. Dewey embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly and took great joy in teaching Robert a wide range of practical skills. Whether they were building truck motors or constructing houses, they did it all side by side. Dewey instilled in Robert the lasting value of “taking pride in what you do”—a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his life. Dewey was a devoted and loving father, deeply cherished by his family.

In 1997, Dewey proudly embraced a new and cherished title—“Poppa”—with the birth of his first granddaughter, Hailey Peyton. That joy grew even greater in 2001 when he welcomed his second granddaughter, Landrey Preston. Becoming a Poppa quickly became one of the most meaningful roles of his life, and he carried the name with pride. He loved spending time with his granddaughters and was always eager to teach them new skills, like swimming. He even took them to the Kids’ Workshops at Home Depot, where they built projects like birdhouses and stools together. Even during his struggle with dementia, hearing the name “Poppa” would cause him to light up more than usual—a reaction lovingly referred to by the girls as the “granddaughter effect.” Dewey adored his granddaughters, and they loved him just as deeply.

Dewey’s strong work ethic was at the very heart of who he was. He took immense pride in every project he undertook, never cutting corners. No task was ever too big for him and Barbara to accomplish together. Whatever he did, he gave it his all. He poured his heart into building a home for Rob and his growing family, and he fully embraced his role as a grandfather—truly one of the best. He was there for every little tea party, babysat every Friday, and willingly sampled even the most questionable food creations made by his granddaughters. Dewey approached every role in his life—whether professional or personal—with passion, dedication, and love.

Dewey was preceded in death by his father, JC Pruitt; his mother, Lillian Pruitt; his sisters, Jean Mulholland and Sheila Bullock; his brothers, Bartis Pruitt and Ronnie Pruitt; his two children, Tammy Denise Pruitt and Dewey Noel Pruitt Jr.; and his beloved wife, Barbara Jean Pruitt. He is survived by his son, Robert Pruitt, and wife Maisie; his two granddaughters, Hailey Harrington and husband Hayden, and Landrey Pruitt and fiancé Droux Staten; and his brother, Charles Pruitt, and wife Jane.

Dewey, lovingly known as “Poppa,” will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved him. His ornery yet loving spirit will live on in our hearts and memories. We take comfort in knowing that Nana was there to welcome him with open arms, and that they are together once again.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Antioch Cemetery.