The eldest of nine children, was born on June 21, 1918, in the Dogwood community in Douglas County MSGT. (Ret.) Johnny L. Pruett was called home to be with the Lord at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, in Oak Manor Nursing Facility in Columbus, Ga.
Johnny, the eldest of nine children, was born on June 21, 1918, in the Dogwood community in Douglas County, the son of Alvah L. and Violet Mae Stafford Pruett. Upon the death of his mother when he was 19 years of age, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to help with the expense of raising his younger brothers and sisters.
In February 1941 he entered the United States Army where he served his country for the next 30 years.
Johnny learned the art of cooking while in the CCC and continued this in his Army career, first as a cook, then a mess sergeant, then as a master sergeant, taking over as supervisor of battalion mess halls. He received many awards for outstanding service during his career. He served in many Army posts throughout the United States as well as serving in France, Germany and Korea.
In September 1945 he moved to Fort Benning, Ga., and there he met Evelyn Carden, the love of his life, and on April 11, 1947, they were united in marriage in Columbus, Ga., and established their home there. They were privileged to have shared 58 years together.
Upon his retirement in February 1971 they moved to their farm in Harris County, Ga., where he enjoyed raising a garden and giving away his vegetables. He also enjoyed his cattle while able to tend them.
In 1972 Johnny accepted the Lord into his life and became a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a deacon for 32 years. He loved the Lord and served him every day.
Johnny was a member of the Imperial Council of the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the Al Sihah Temple, Macon, Ga. He was also a Mason since September 1947 and in 1957 became a Master Mason, 33rd Scottish Rite. He was a member of Kimbrough Masonic Lodge #118 of Cataula, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant brother, Paul, and one sister, Mary Williams.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of the home; three brothers, David Pruett, Springfield, Bill Pruett and his wife, Edna, Nixa, and Aaron Pruett and his wife, Bonnie, Seymour; three sisters, Alice McCullough, of Kalispell, Mont., Nadine Barker and Goldie Bryant, both of Seymour; one sister-in-law, Gladys Fulford, Columbus, Ga.; eight nephews; 14 nieces; several great-nephews and nieces; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were held in Parkhill Cemetery with the Rev. Mickey Adams officiating. Burial with full military honors followed.
