Robert “Bob” Pruitt, age 94, of Decatur, Alabama, passed peacefully on June 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Florence, Alabama, in 1931, Bob lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to his family.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nell Gieske Pruitt, whom he met on a blind date and who became the love of his life. Their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love, partnership, and commitment.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Pruitt and Annie Wilson Pruitt, and by all his siblings, Doris Davis, Bonseal Pruitt, Lady Ruth Haygood, TA Pruitt, Jessie Bevis, and Kenneth Pruitt.
He leaves behind three daughters, Vicki Thompson (Ted), Cindy Terry (Randall), and Tammy Pruitt, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Trey Thompson (Nicole), Jaclyn Robinson (Andrew), Allison Hogan (Keith), and Amber Hunt (Travis), and nine great-grandchildren, Calvin, Sawyer, Emaline, Caleb, Payton, Jack, Rylee, Ellie, and Maddie, all of whom brought him immeasurable happiness and countless treasured memories.
Following his graduation from high school Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War era. He was stationed in Germany and often reflected on the friendships formed during his military experience. After completing his service he settled in Decatur, Alabama, where he began a distinguished career with NASA, remaining there until his retirement.
Faith was the cornerstone of Bob’s life. For more than 50 years he was a devoted member of the Austinville Church of Christ, where he faithfully served as an elder for over 20 years. His leadership, wisdom, and steadfast example touched countless lives within the congregation. In later years he remained a faithful member of the Decatur Church of Christ, attending regularly until declining health prevented him from doing so.
Bob will be remembered as a humble and faithful servant, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a respected elder, a proud veteran, and a loyal friend. His life was marked by integrity, kindness, quiet strength, and an unwavering faith in God. Those who knew him were blessed by his example and encouraged by his gentle spirit.
While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the hope and assurance of his eternal home and find comfort in the legacy of faith and love he leaves behind.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A funeral service will be held on June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Roselawn Funeral Home, with Alan Watkins officiating. Visitation will be held before the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Burningtree Memorial Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Fuller, Joey Gray, Keith Hammonds, Mark Henderson, Jimmy Jeffreys and Jere Spurlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Doyle Whitlow and Ray Robinson.
