Charles Clyde “Charlie” Pruett Sr., aged 80, peacefully passed away on Saturday morning, June 3, 2023, in Chattanooga, TN. He was surrounded by his loved ones as he entered the embrace of his Heavenly Father. Born on October 12, 1942, in Sylva, North Carolina, Charlie was the son of the late Geraldine P “GeeGee” Allison and A. Clyde Pruett of Chattanooga, TN.
Charlie graduated from Chattanooga High School, where he excelled as a football player. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and Michigan State University, where he earned a graduate degree in retail and food market management. Following graduation, he joined the family business, Pruett’s Food Town.
Charlie was a dedicated, hard-working, and resilient man. Alongside his devoted wife, Judy, he raised one daughter and three sons. He lived life on the edge, seeking adventure and joyfully sharing it with many. Hunting, fishing, skiing, flying, and snowmobiling were activities that ignited his passion, especially in the Gravely Range and the West Fork of the Madison River in Cameron, Montana. Fearlessly competing in tennis, golf, handball, and Enduro motorcycle racing, he left a mark as a courageous competitor. We remember his love for handball and the friends he played with at the downtown sports barn. Charlie was an exceptional father and friend, and his adventurous spirit touched the lives of countless individuals. Today, we celebrate the essence and character of this remarkable man.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Judy H. Pruett; his sister, Nancy P. Johnston (Shuford); and his brother, Paul A. Pruett (Katrena) all of Chattanooga, TN.
His children:
• Mary Claire P. Thompson (Nordeck) of Winchester, TN
• Charles Clyde “Chuck” Pruett Jr. (Cathy) of Signal Mountain, TN
• Martin Hunt Pruett (Krista) of Ooltewah, TN
• David Michael Pruett of Winchester, TN
He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Grandchildren:
• Claire Getty (Drew)
• Kathryn Greer (John)
• Nick Thompson
• Laura Ann Howell (Jeff)
• Mary Lee McConnell (Rob)
• Caroline Huber-Feely (Emanuel)
• Kaki Beard (Chase)
• Charlie Pruett
• Anna Claire Pruett
• Hunter Pruett (Jordan)
• Allison Pruett
• Preston Pruett
• Price Pruett
• Michael Pruett
• Henry Pruett
• Sam Pruett
Great-Grandchildren:
• Claire, Ann Alyse, Benjamin, and Emma Kathryn Getty
• William and Michael Greer
• Charlie Howell
• Houston Mary Lou and Joel Henry McConnell
• Anna Rhea Williams
• And more on the way!
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie embraced life to the fullest and cherished his family deeply. We are incredibly grateful for his lasting legacy.
A Family Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Charlie Pruett, Sr will be held on June 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM at The Little Brown Church, located at 3301 Spring Ave, Walden, TN.
The celebration will continue with friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club, situated at 809 James Blvd, Signal Mtn, TN.
In lieu of flowers, consider a charity of your choice that honors Charlie’s passion for
the majestic beauty of the great outdoors.
