James Pierce Pruitt, age 82, of Lavonia, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
Born April 14, 1936, in Lavonia, he was the son of the late Robert and Minnie (Foster) Pruitt. He dedicated his life to law enforcement. He began his career with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, where he worked as a deputy sheriff for many years. He then served as chief of police with the city of Canon. Finally, he worked for and retired from the Hart County Sheriff's Office.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Carolyn (Thomas) Pruitt; and brothers: Jack Pruitt, Robert Pruitt, George Pruitt, and Hugh Pruitt.
He is survived by his daughters: Sandra Weston & husband, James of Fair Play and Joni Owen of Villa Rica; grandchildren: Dustin Kellum, Cody Kellum, Shawna Watkins, Chase Simmons, Phillip Owen, Kaylee Owen, Riley Owen, and Kortnie Owen; and nine great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia with Rev. Bill Avant and Rev. Colby Myers officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Flowers are optional or memorials may be made to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (www.nleomf.org).
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.