Ernest Pruiett

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alton Ernest Pruiett, who departed this life peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on September 3, 1945, in Colorado City, Texas, Ernest was the beloved son of Walter and Martha Pruiett.

A proud veteran, Ernest honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his service, he built a respected career as a brick mason and was truly a jack of all trades. Known for his love of the countryside, Ernest rarely took the main roads—he preferred the back roads and the peace they offered.

Ernest had a passion for old cars, tools, and forgotten treasures, often turning the broken and discarded into something new. He wasn’t shy about knocking on a stranger’s door to ask about an old car sitting in the yard—and just as quickly, he’d give the shirt off his back or offer a place to sleep to someone in need. He loved going to the casino, spending time outdoors, and especially being with his loyal dog, Blue.

Family was everything to Ernest. His best friend and closest companion in life was his brother, L.C. Pruiett. The two shared countless hours building, fixing, and tinkering with anything they could get their hands on. But above all, Ernest cherished time with his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Pruiett, who passed on February 27, 2007, and his granddaughter Laura Marie Pruiett.

Ernest is survived by his loving children:

• Jana Mendoza and her husband Mario,

• Scott Pruiett and his wife Deborah,

• Jo Ann Nunnally and her husband John.

He is also survived by his sisters:

Della Mae Adams, Jewel Warner, and Ludie Williams.

A proud grandfather and great-grandfather, Ernest is remembered with love by his grandchildren:

Jamie (Jared), Jordan, Gracie, Michael (Ahlura), Anthony (Claudia), and Rylee;

and his great-grandchildren: Turner, Eli, Kaiden, and Eastynn.

Ernest also held close many bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including:

Leo, Robin, Tracy, Stacey, Hayden, Madison, Murphy, Eva, Jackson, Grayson, Jessa, Maddox, Jacob, Brantley, Waylon, Parker, Presley, and Jackson.

He loved his many nieces and nephews.

Ernest leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and craftsmanship. His ability to breathe life back into the old and forgotten was only matched by his warmth and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.