Ralph Gilliam Pruitt

Ralph Gilliam Pruitt, 81, of Ruffin, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Pelham, NC, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by the Reverend Lee Eggers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Reidsville, NC.

Ralph was born on July 8, 1944, to Lucile Warren Pruitt and Taylor Boyd Pruitt. He graduated from Ruffin High School in 1963 and later joined the U.S. Army, serving from 1968 to 1970 and attaining the rank of E-5.

He loved his church, Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, and was a devoted husband, father, and friend.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Jean French Pruitt, of the home; his daughter, Nicole Lee Pruitt, also of the home; his son, Derek Sean Pruitt, of Winston-Salem, NC; and his sister, Peggy Pruitt Dix, of Danville, VA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Pruitt Tate; and his brothers, Bobby Pruitt, Richard Pruitt, and Billy Pruitt.

The family kindly requests no visitors at the home. Condolences may be offered by card or online through the Wilkerson Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hickory Grove United Methodist Church Men’s Group.