Ronald D. Pruitt

Ronald D. Pruitt, 74 of Vanderbilt, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Otsego Memorial Hospital.

Born in Kalkaska on June 11, 1942, Ron was the son of Charles and Wilda (Kleeman) Pruitt.  The family moved to Vanderbilt when Ron was young.  He also lived for a time in Gaylord.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army as a military policeman from 1964-1966.  Ron returned to Vanderbilt after his military service and went to work at Georgia Pacific in Gaylord.  He worked there for 40 years and was a boiler operator when the plant closed in 2006.  For many years Ron also served as Vanderbilt and Corwith Township Constable.

Ron enjoyed drawing, woodcarving, working crossword puzzles and tending to his fruit trees.  In his spare time he enjoyed visiting area casinos.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Charlene Thomas in 2012.  Surviving are his children, Carla (Jerry) Pruitt Nowak and Lisa (Karl) Heidman of Gaylord, Wiley Warren of Vanderbilt and Tonya Pruitt Brock of Alpena; 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Damer of Gaylord; and several nieces and nephews.  Ron was also preceded in death by a brother, David Pruitt and a sister, Nancy Gere.

The family will visit with friends from 4:00-8:00 PM Friday, December 16, 2016 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 17, 2016. Burial will take place in the spring at Hayes Township Cemetery.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family or to the charity of your choice.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com