Edgar Lee Pruitt Jr.'s Obituary
Edgar (Ed) Pruitt Jr., a proud Veteran of the United Stated Air Force and home town resident of Alachua, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025. He was a devoted Christian who believed in treating everyone with respect and kindness.
Ed was born to Edgar Sr. and Essie Pruitt in Adel, GA on February 21, 1931. The family moved to Alachua, FL in the early 1930s and Ed graduated from Alachua High School in 1950. One year after graduation Ed proudly joined the United Stated Air Force. Ed soon met the love of his life, Geraldine (Gerry) Smith, of Topeka, Kansas, and they were married in Savannah, GA on June 21, 1952. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Terry and Edgar III (Eddie) and they began a wonderful adventure traveling America with the US Air Force.
Ed began his Air Force career as an aircraft engine mechanic at Hunter Air Force Base, GA. After four years, Ed transitioned careers to become an aircraft in-flight refueling engineer (boom operator). Ed’s career quickly advanced through the years as he proved to be the best. He was appointed an instructor and was soon the top in-flight refueler in the US Air Force. Ed’s hard-working demeanor allowed him to further expand his career and take on more challenging tasks as he continued to be an invaluable asset to the Air Force. These tasks include aircraft loadmaster, engine conditioning team lead, and flight engineer/navigator. Ed’s most notable career move was when he was reassigned to work directly for the Air Force Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington DC, as their top in-flight refueling instructor on Sky Top 2. After 22 years and two months, Ed honorably retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) earning the Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters. Ed and Gerry returned home to the family farm in Alachua, FL in 1973 to begin their next chapter of life.
After retirement, Ed and Gerry enjoyed spending time with family, going on road trips to the mountains, and bowling regularly in a league. Ed loved water skiing, golfing, and fishing. He enjoyed hosting family and friends at pool parties, helping to raise grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing stories of Air Force adventures, and was a huge fan of the UF Gators. Ed spent many hours outside and became an accomplished gardener and would grow the most beautiful flowers and plants to share with everyone. He also continued his higher education and obtained his associated degree in accounting from Santa Fe College. Ed soon took on the prodigious name of “Grandaddy” to family, friends and all.
Ed is preceded by his lovely wife Gerry of 65 years and survived by his children: Terry (Bob) Sagar, Eddie (Talita) Pruitt; grandchildren Stacy (Jim) Deczynski, Bobby (Terri) Sagar, Danielle (Trey); great grandchildren Nicole (Walter) Jenkins, Aubry, Christian, Violet Deczynski, Evie Whiddon, and great-great grandchild; August Jenkins.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Alachua located at 14005 NW 146th AVE, Alachua. Viewing will commence at 10:00 am followed by services at 11:00 am. Procession to Forrest Meadows West located at 700 NW 143rd St will commence after services. In lieu of flowers, donations to Edgar’s favorite charities can be made through Williams-Thomas Funeral Home.
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