Jerry Damon Pruitt

A man from quaint beginnings, Jerry was born in 1944 in Etowah, AR to parents Jason and Inez Pruitt. His earliest memories were of his mother’s biscuits and picking cotton with his siblings. Jerry would say his best decision in life was marrying his wife Cyndi on New Year’s Eve in 1966. Before he was 30, he worked on an oceanographic research ship and became a decorated lieutenant in the Army, receiving two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star. Soon after, he received a law degree becoming a practicing attorney, joined a tennis league and began the journey of fatherhood. Friends would say Jerry loved life, always looking for a new adventure and insisting that others have fun.

He worked hard serving his community, friends and family as an attorney nearly fifty years before retiring (sort of) in 2019. His four daughters remember him playing his guitar, singing Willie Nelson and the Eagles loudly through the house (and in the grocery store), calling them to say “the water’s up,” and loading the car for trips down the Mulberry river. Jerry found joy in dancing, skiing, and working in his garden and flower beds. He played tennis four times a week and in his early years he was known for his passion on the court, breaking a racquet over a close match.

In his later years, Jerry loved his morning crossword puzzles, annual trips to Maine, caring for his rental tenants, making his mother’s homemade biscuits, reading history, and playing tennis at the Racquet Club. Friends described him as having “a zest for life,” and ‘the best Dad, a pillar to his family and community.’

After a swift battle with cancer, Jerry was ready to rest and in his final moments confessed his belief in Jesus Christ sealing his inheritance in heaven and giving his daughters and wife the best gift they could receive upon his passing.

Jerry is remembered by family and friends as dependable, hard working, stubborn, compassionate, giving and FUN. He was a hugger, a lover of nature and always rooting for the underdog. He was the guy you could always call; a greatly missed father, husband, brother and friend.

In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by a daughter, Courtney Pruitt; a sister, Celeste Griffith, and a brother, Teddy Pruitt. He is survived by his wife Cyndi; three daughters, Heather Black of Delaware, Ohio, Shannon Paul of Springdale, and Lindsey Pruitt of Rogers, grandchildren; Hunter, Alex, Katelynn (Seb) and Connor Shoptaw, Jordynne Bently, Lexi Black and a great grandchild, Chapple Bently. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, August 25th at Edwards Funeral Home. The memorial service will be 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 26th in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to Jerry’s daughter Lindsey’s missionary efforts at https://tinyurl.com/GivetoLindsey or to the Arkansas Canoe Club at www.arkansascanoeclub.com.