Jay Lee Pruitt, 83, of Kingston, Okla., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Kingston.
Born December 4, 1941, in Durant, Okla., Jay was the son of the late James Willard Pruitt and Viola Mae Tisdell Pruitt.HewasraisedinBennington,Okla., and graduated from Bennington High School in 1959. He married Doris Jean BaughmanonJune9,1961,inBennington.
Jay lived in Garland, Texas, from 1967 until 1997 and worked for The Dallas Morning News in the circulation department until his retirement in 1998. Upon moving to the Enos Community, Jay became an active member and Deacon of Texoma Southern Baptist Church in Buncombe Creek, where he shared his love of music as a member of the Handbell Choir. Jay was also a beloved member of the Red River Valley Dulcimer Club.
He gave generously of his time and energy to his community, serving for many years as a board member and chairman of the Enos & Cardinal Cove Volunteer Fire Department. A passionate collector and restorer of antique tractors, Jay was a longtime and proud member of Marshall County Antique Iron.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Mike Pruitt.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Jean Pruitt; daughters LaNaye Reid and husband Chris of Allen, Texas; Laura Foster and husband Curtis of Sachse, Texas; Lisa Pruitt of Smyrna, Tenn.; sister, Joella Heath of Murphy, Texas; grandchildren, Jemma Waibel and husband Ty, Lindsay Groenewold and husband Maikel, Keaton Reid and wife Stephanie, Ashton Foster, Phia Foster, Asia Foster, Lorenzo Foster; great-grandchildren, Daniel Reid and Lacie Reid; also, Tiffany and Jonathan Corley and their five children Ayla, Calvin, Jay Lee, Maddie and Asher Corley.
In remembrance of Jay and his lifelong commitment to community service, memorial contributions may be made to the Enos and Cardinal Cove Volunteer Fire Department.
Visitation was held Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Graveside service was Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Shay Cemetery in Shay, Okla. Jeff Renard and Keith Rogers officiated the service. Music was arranged by Red River Valley Dulcimer Club. Services will be under the directionofWattsFuneralHomeinMadill,Okla.Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
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