Ben Pruitt

Ben Hardy Pruitt passed away peacefully on October 25th, at the age of 83 in his home in Waxahachie, Texas.  His battle with serious medical issues in recent years, showed his courage in facing challenges without complaint, and always answering “I am fine” when asked how he was doing.

Ben was born on May 2, 1939, in Waxahachie, TX to parents, Howard & Edna Earl Pruitt.  He attended Waxahachie schools from 1st-10th grade and graduated from Lancaster High school in 1957.  He earned an associate’s business degree from Mountain View College and worked for Guiberson/Dresser Industry for 38 years making oilfield equipment.

He married the love of his life, Wilma Cheshier on July 11, 1959, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 9 greatgrandchildren.

Ben was always active in his church and held many leadership roles.  He was a deacon and supported many different mission programs and church building activities.  He loved giving money to support his grandchildren for church and mission trips.  His favorite verse was John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believe in me, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”  Even in times of stress and illness Ben’s faith never wavered.

Ben was known to have a strong work ethic and instilled that into his children and grandchildren.  He was a man of few words but observed everything and knew that sometimes it was better to listen instead of speaking.

As a child, Ben developed many hobbies that he loved his entire life. He hunted and collected a vast array of arrowheads, antiques, and loved when they raised Angus cattle on the family farm. He began fishing as a child and continued that passion up until his health wouldn’t allow it. He fished on local area lakes, but loved getting away to Branson, Missouri where he would sit for hours on the dock fishing for trout.  His favorite days, however, were taking his boat out to Lake Bardwell and fishing under the bridge or at the pump house.  He was happiest when he could bring home a mess of crappie for Wilma to cook for him or for the family.  He loved going to activities of his grandchildren and loved traveling the country.  He and Wilma were able to visit every state in the nation and multiple countries overseas.

He is survived by his wife Wilma, 3 children, Greg Pruitt and wife Tamara, Breck Pruitt and wife Becky, and daughter Bennetta Smith and husband Mike, grandchildren Greg Alan Pruitt, Alycia Pruitt, Jaycee Pruitt, Kinsey Bass, Olivia Smith, JD Pruitt, Micah Smith, & Noah Smith, and 9 great grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Robert Collins, Oncologist, Denise Link PA and to the Dr.’s & Staff of Southwestern Medical Center for their loving care over the past few years.