Rodney Gay Pruitt, 78, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 27, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community servant, Rodney’s life was marked by dedication to family, faith, and service.
Born in Big Spring, Texas, Rod was the son of the late Charlie Joe Pruitt and Betty Jo Gay Pruitt. He grew up in Mesquite, graduating from Mesquite High School, and later attended East Texas University and Sam Houston State University. Rodney began his career as a Dallas police officer, serving the community with distinction for 17 years. He later worked for Lone Star Steel and Texas Industries (TXI), spending 16 years at each company.
Rod married the love of his life, Cheryl R. Holler, on September 2, 1966. Together, they built a family grounded in love, faith, and commitment. He is survived by Cheryl and their son Ronnie Pruitt and wife Mandy. He was preceded in death by his son Carlton Bradley Pruitt and is lovingly remembered by Brad’s wife, Julie.
Rod was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, and their spouses, whom he loved as his own: Hunter (Tessa), Kirstin Hogg (Dennis), Kelden (Seleste), Chaselyn Jones (Jordan), Kolton, Kameron (Aubree), Carson (fiancée Savannah), Reid, and Owen. He also cherished his eight great-grandchildren: Charlie, Roman, Hudson, Isla, Joel, Adley, Ciere, and Scottlyn.
He is also survived by his brother Larry Charles Pruitt; his sister-in-law Jeanita Pruitt; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister Patty Sinclair Pruitt.
Rod’s greatest joy was supporting his grandchildren in their sporting events and accomplishments. A man of deep faith, he was an active member of his church, where he served faithfully as chair of the board of administration and chair of the pastor-parish committee. He also dedicated time to the local community, serving in the Dekalb High School Booster club, local cemetery association along with many other ways of serving friends and family. Rod leaves behind a legacy grounded in faith, hard work and loyalty to his family and friends. He will always be remembered by the numerous relationships he built with so many.
A celebration of Rod’s life will be held on July 28, 2025, at Citizens Church, located at 4501 Legacy Dr, in Plano, TX. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30am, followed by a celebration service at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation in Rod’s memory to The Clayton Dabney foundation at claytondabney.org, or to a church of your choosing. Rod will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but the family knows he is completely healed.
