Charles Ray Pruett, 89, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Friday, June 3, 2022, at his residence near Springer, Oklahoma. A life-long resident of the Ardmore area, he was born December 30, 1932, in Mannsville, OK, to Elva B. and Sadie (Bynum) Pruett.
Charles attended Dickson Elementary School, then graduated from Ardmore High School in 1951. He went to work for the Oklahoma State Highway Department at the age of 18 and completed his career with them after 34 years. During his time there, he received certification in various aspects of surveying/engineering. He led a crew that was instrumental in the construction of several locations of Interstate 35, including the Arbuckle Mountains area.
Charles married the love of his life, Maxine Black, at age 19, and they shared three children during their 52 years of wedded bliss, until her passing in 2004. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.
As a young man, Charles loved to fish, set out trotlines on Lake Murray, squirrel hunt on Hickory Creek, hunt pheasants in Kansas, and participate in annual turkey shoots. Later in life, he had few hobbies, as he purchased and began developing his farm, in addition to his job with the State. After retirement, he spent over 35 years pursuing his passion of farming the land and raising cattle. Charles’ legacy is one of a hardworking, accomplished life, a life well lived, with a tremendous impact on so many lives. He is now free from pain and will be missed beyond words.
Charles is survived by daughters, Kathy (Dennis) Denny of Houston, TX; Judy Newman of Ardmore, OK; nine grandchildren, Nikki Newman, Dallas, TX; Kristee Denny, White Salmon, WA; Julie (Eric) Mendoza, Houston, TX; Jaynie (Brian) Poff, Dallas, TX; Tera (Ricky) Walker, Healdton, OK; Keri (Phillip) Harrell, Greensburg, LA; Laurie Newman (Jason Watterson), Ardmore, OK; C. R. (Melissa) Pruett, Davis, OK; Amber (Michael) Warren, Salt Lake City, UT. Nineteen great grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Charles was preceded in death by spouse, Maxine, son Charles David, great granddaughter Jaylee Garland, parents E.B. and Sadie Pruett, three sisters: Judith Pruett, Lorene Hammer, Doris Jean Bailey and brother Kenneth Earl Pruett. The family wishes to thank his caregivers Gary White, Henry Hamilton, Rhonda Tidwell and Alesa Cooper for their loving and thoughtful care during his last days.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12, from 2-4:00 p.m. at Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home. Services will be held on Monday, June 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Centennial Chapel of Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.hdouglasfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to the Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home & Crematory
