Elmer Edward ‘Ed’ Pruitt

Hartselle Elmer Edward ‘Ed’ Pruitt passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, after a long and full life.

He will be remembered as a beloved father and grandfather, a friend to many, and for his easy laugh and contagious positive outlook.

“Ed” was born November 24, 1931, in Elmore County, Alabama, the only child of George Edward Pruitt and Pearl Lelabell Blankenship Pruitt. He graduated from West End High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1949. His youth was a happy mix of farm boy and big city teenager. After high school, he enrolled at the Alabama Polytechnical College at Auburn, Alabama to study business administration.

Mr. Pruitt joined the U.S. Army and participated in the post-Korean War effort in Seoul, Korea. He treasured his time in the service of his country throughout his life.

While he was in the Army, Ed and Dorothy Ann Clem, of Fairfield, Alabama, were married. After he left the Army, they returned to Auburn. He graduated from the newly named Auburn University in 1960. Through happy accident, Ed and Dot moved with their two daughters to Hartselle, Alabama in 1966, where the young family quickly found a home among new friends and the First Methodist Church of Hartselle, where he and Dot worshipped and served throughout their married life.

Ed held a variety of corporate sales jobs until he joined Morton Thiokol at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He retired from there after a long career as a procurement officer. He went on to join Ken Chapman and Associates, where he served as vice chairman of the board of directors for eighteen years. And, he enjoyed a long retirement period with family, his church, and his friends.

Elmer Edward Pruitt was preceded in death by his wife, Dot, and his parents. He is survived by two daughters; Rhonda Chapman (Ken) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Penny Sparkman (Randy) of Hartselle, Alabama and by grandchildren; Katie Sparkman of Hartselle and Jeremiah Chapman (Laurin) of Fairhope, Alabama, and adopted grandchildren; Lorena Cabral of Atlanta, Georgia and Rahel Kim Choi (John) of Boston, Massachusetts.

A graveside service for Mr. Pruitt will be scheduled at a later date with Peck Funeral Home assisting the family.