William Leonard Pruitt

William Leonard Pruitt, age 95, died on March 31, 2021 at his residence after many years of declining health. He was the son of the late Bailey William Pruitt and Lucy Hobgood Pruitt. He grew up on the family tobacco farm in Granville County. He was a graduate of Oxford High School.
Leonard had a successful career with R.J. Reynolds Company where he spent many years making friends and running amongst the tobacco industry. He retired after 41 years and was able to spend many happy hours working on his farm, Pruitt Hills, where he raised Angus beef cattle, fruits and vegetables, especially beautiful strawberries in which he graciously shared with friends. Leonard was honored by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce in 2006 with the Community Service Award. He was well thought of and a cherished member of the Community.
Leonard was a faithful and serving member of the Oxford Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon and was recognized as Deacon Emeritus by the Oxford Baptist Church Board of Deacons in 2011.
The faculty of C.G. Credle elementary School nominated Leonard for the “Priceless Gem Award” for his many endless hours of work that he contributed to making the school the best it could be.
Along with many honors, he also was appointed and served for multiple years on the Jury Commission of Granville County.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Gooch Pruitt; a niece, Joyce Fulcher and several nieces and nephews – in – law. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lila Robertson and Myrtle Jane Pruitt.
Friends are invited for viewing and to sign the register on Friday, April 2, 2021 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, 503 College St., Oxford, NC. All other services are private but a live stream of the funeral service will be available through the Oxford Baptist Church YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYkkIURGhAiaSFNETfs_n9Q The service will be available to live stream on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to Kindred Hospice, 136 Roxboro Road, Oxford, NC, 27565
The Pruitt family is being proudly served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, Oxford, NC. Online Memorials: https://www.gnvfuneralhome.com/