Stanley (Stan) Lane Pruett, 81, of Arab, Alabama, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, after a courageous 15-year battle with cancer. Born on October 24, 1943, in Gadsden, Alabama, Stanley lived a life defined by strength, boundless love, and remarkable achievements.
Stan was the devoted husband of 62 years to his beloved wife, Carolyn Marie Roach Pruett. Together, they created a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that enriched the lives of everyone around them.
Above all, Stan cherished his family. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and their three children—Terry Jennings (Frank), John Pruett (Danica), and Allan Pruett (Jennifer). He was the proud grandfather of Marcy Copeland Bynum (Terry), Amanda Marie Pruett, Samuel Thomas Pruett, Andrew Thomas Pruett, Emma Jewel Pruett, and Austin Lane Pruett, and great-grandfather to Wilder Copeland Bynum, Allister Truman Bynum, and Ana Sofia Bynum. He is also survived by his two brothers – Charles (Charlie) Pruett (Kay) and Rex Pruett (Lee).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jewel Pruett; father, Bumon Pruett; and sister, Teresa McArthur.
Stan was guided by unwavering principles of discipline, loyalty, integrity, and a deep sense of moral responsibility. His exceptional dedication, resilience, and drive defined every endeavor he pursued. Whether in his professional achievements or personal passions, he exemplified the value of hard work and perseverance.
Brig. General Stanley (Stan) Lane Pruett, USAF (Ret.) dedicated his life to his country by serving with distinction and honor for 31 years, including during Desert Shield/Storm. He was an inspirational leader and mentor throughout his military career, serving as both a Squadron and Wing Commander. Stan was a highly skilled pilot, flying seven different aircraft and logging over 5,000 flight hours. His exceptional contributions during his service earned him numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, two Meritorious Services Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the government of Kuwait.
After retiring from military and civil service, he continued to contribute to national defense in the private sector, managing operations and tests for missile defense systems at the Missile Defense Agency and Boeing. His expertise ensured the readiness and advancement of critical technologies for missile defense.
Building on these decades of service and expertise, Stan joined PeopleTec in 2012. Over 12 years, he advanced into roles including Program Manager, Senior Engineer, and ultimately Executive Vice President. His unwavering commitment, strategic vision, and dedication to mentorship became a cornerstone of the company’s success, strengthening corporate capabilities and driving technical innovation. His legacy continues to shape PeopleTec and inspire those who worked alongside him.
He found immense joy tending to his farm in Snead, Alabama, where he cherished the simple and rewarding life of a farmer. His deep connection to the land brought him peace and fulfillment throughout his life, reflecting his humble spirit and love of nature. Stan’s enduring legacy of love, service, and faith will forever be treasured by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
The Pruett family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Raoul Concepcion and Dr. Eleni Efstathiou for their innovative approach in treating Stan during his long battle with prostate cancer. Their pioneering efforts and dedication to exploring cutting-edge treatments provided Stan with hope and extended quality time with his loved ones.
A service to celebrate Stan’s life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Arab, Alabama. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.. Burial will occur at Arab Cemetery with military honors provided by the 117th Air Refueling Wing Base Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Stan’s grandsons: Andrew Pruett, Samuel Pruett, Austin Pruett, and Truman Bynum.
The family invites all who knew and loved Stan to join in celebrating his memory and honoring his legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (pcf.org) to support research in finding a cure.
