Ray Pruett

Ray Pruett, 72, of Walnut Ridge, died Sunday afternoon at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. He had lived in Walnut Ridge most of his life. He loved collecting John Deere tractors and camping. Earlier in his life he farmed and was retired from Hytrol where he was known as “Papaw” to all. He was of the Baptist belief.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marjorie Pruett of the home; son & daughter-in-law, Kelley & Vivian Pruett, Walnut Ridge, daughters, Jammie Weir, Hoxie, Janice Parsons and her fiancé, Nickey Ditto, Paragould; step sons, Gary Liles and wife Cheryl, Lorado, Timothy Murphy, Woodriver, IL; step-daughters Dorsie Shaw and husband, Jeff, Conway, Geyvon Crest and husband, Mark, Corning; brother, Jerry Pruett and wife, Barbara, Livingston, TX; sisters, Lovan Jones and husband Art, Boswell, Ellen McNatt and husband John, Paris, TN; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Ray & Beulah Mae Shelton Pruett, grandson, Nicholas Pruett, and great granddaughter, Christian Liles.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Brother Marion Stringer officiating. Burial will follow in Lorado Cemetery. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Stan Faultner, Rick Summers, Russell Moon, Terry Lewis, Jeff Liles, and Michael Parsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be Zach Long, Brian Parsons, Wesley Liles, and Mike Willfond.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.