Lonnie Pruett

Lonnie Wayne Pruett, 73, Sardis, was born Feb. 5, 1938 in Sardis Community and went to be with the Lord July 15, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Pruett and "Bea" Beatrice Baxley Pruett. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Savoie Pruett, of 47 years; his daughter, Nina Simmerman; and two grandchildren, Siera and Forest Simmerman. He is also survived by his two sisters, Christene Grace (J.T.-deceased) and Bonnie Morris (Ralph); his brother, Terry Pruett (Rita); and nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends including Tony Avila. Lonnie was a member of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church and Farm Bureau. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas with an electrical engineering degree. He worked 12 years in the oil fields for Schlemberger in South Louisiana. He and his wife, Gloria, owned and operated Pruett Farms in the Sardis Community. They also owned Ciecie Express Trucking Company for 15 years. He loved his family and really enjoyed working and being outdoors. He was an avid elk hunter and loved going to Colorado with friends to hunt. Pallbearers will be his nephews; Billy Grace, Steve Gilmore, Jim Gilmore, Brian Pruett and Tim Pruett along with great nephew, John Grace. The family wants to express their sincerest appreciation for their loving care to Cheryl, Carlee, Bo and Dr. Susan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Hospice Fd., 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, July 18 at the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, 26407 S. Fairview Rd, Hensley, Ark. (in the Sardis Community). Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery on N. Sardis Rd. Dr. Paul Carter will be officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at Ashby Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.