Jeffrey Neal Pruitt Obituary (1963 - 2012)

Born Oct 19, 1963, Jeffrey Neal Pruitt was faculty at William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Jeffrey Neal Pruitt.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Birth	Oct 19, 1963
Date of Passing	Oct 06, 2012
About	Jeffrey Neal Pruitt, USAF, Ret., 48, of Roanoke, died on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem. After a 12 year battle with cancer, he slipped away peacefully while surrounded by his adoring family. He was a faithful Christian servant who loved his God and his family. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kelly; one son, Jacob, both of Roanoke, his parents, Millard Neal "Sonny" Pruitt Jr. and Joann Varney Pruitt, of Rural Retreat; sister, Sheila Pruitt Thomas and husband, Mark and their son, Tyler; sister, Amy Pruitt Karnes and husband, Michael and their daughter, Zoey; all of Marion; and also several uncles, aunts, and cousins. Jeff was born in Marion, on October 19, 1963. He graduated from Marion Senior High School in 1982. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1987. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. Over the course of his decorated career, Jeff was stationed in Minot, N.D.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Montgomery, Ala.; Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Colorado Springs, Colo., serving in various Space Command positions. During his 20 year career in the military, Jeff completed his Master's Degree in Space Studies at the University of North Dakota and also served as a ROTC instructor at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. He retired from the Air Force in 2008 and went on to become the senior instructor for the Air Force Jr. ROTC program at William Byrd High School in Vinton. He still held this position at the time of his death. Jeff was an avid reader that enjoyed browsing local book shops and libraries. He loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours hunting and fly fishing. He also had an affinity for computers. Most of all, Jeff's favorite activity was spending time with his son, Jacob. They fished and hunted together, went to movies, flew RC airplanes, always enjoyed a good laugh, and were inseparable best friends. Jeff fought a courageous battle against a terrible disease that stole him from his family too soon. However, the cancer could not steal all the wonderful memories that his family, friends, and students will treasure always. He will be remembered as a kind, decent, honorable Christian man that always thought of others before himself and tried to make life better for all those around him. His favorite Bible verse was 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 10, 2012, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton. The memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2012, at William Byrd High School Stadium. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton. 540-343-4986; 305 E. Washington Ave, Vinton. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lotzfuneralhomevinton.com.