Thomas Pruitt

Thomas Pruitt, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend of Columbia, SC passed away at the age of 83 with his son by his side on May 15, 2023. Tom was born to the late Mark A. Pruitt and Marjorie Holloway Pruitt. He spent his childhood in Ware Shoals, SC. He attended the University of South Carolina from 1958-1962 and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Tom was on the USC men’s swim team and a member of the NROTC from 1958-1962. He was on Active Duty on US Destroyers from June 1962 to May 1964 where he was able to travel the world. His ship was part of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Tom received a medal for his service.

In 1969, Tom married Frances Buckner Pruitt and they had one child, Mark Austin Pruitt. He was an active father taking Austin fishing, camping, and to USC football games. He had a long time group of friends who managed to go fishing every year for 45 years on Debordieu Island. He enjoyed hunting for treasures at various garage sales, collecting antique tools and hanging out at the flea market with friends. Tom was an avid bird watcher and was a fabulous chef. He will be remembered for his spaghetti.

Tom will be greatly missed by his survivors Mark Austin Pruitt (Lory) of Roswell, GA and three grandchildren Kelsey Pruitt, Tyler Pruitt and Brandon Pruitt. Tom leaves behind his cousins coined the “Holloway Dahlins” as well as many long time and new friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Frances Buckner Pruitt, brother Mark ‘Buzz’ Pruitt and parents Marjorie and Mark Pruitt.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Further details will be made available to have a ‘toast’ in Tom’s honor. Arrangements are being made for both Tom and Frances Pruitt to be buried at the GA National VA Cemetery in Canton, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Audubon Society in honor of Thomas Henry Pruitt.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Pruitt family.