John Pruitt

John True Pruitt Sr. , 99, of Somerset, Kentucky, Passed away on November 3, 2026, just three days before his 100th birthday.

John was born November 6, 1926, in McKinney, Kentucky, to Benjamin and Majorie Pruitt. He grew up with his older brother, Hardin, and younger brothers, George and Robert. During his childhood, the family lived in Somerset and Moreland, Kentucky, and Natchez Trace, Mississippi, before eventually moving to Camp Nelson, Kentucky. His brother Robert, of Greenwood, Indiana, survives him. His brothers Hardin and George preceded him in death.

John served his country during World War II as a member of the Army of the United States from May 11, 1945, until January 16, 1947, when he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Sargent. He served in tank battalion in northern Italy, an experience that was an important part of his early life.

on April 9, 1952, John married Oma Mae Graham of Bryantsville, Kentucky, together they raised two sons, John True Pruitt Jr. and Benjamin Lee Pruitt. They initially made their home in Danville, Kentucky, and in 1966 moved to a small farm outside of town, John enjoyed farm life, raising registered Polled Hereford cattle and growing hay to feed the livestock.

John spent much of his working life in the commercial trucking industry, where he held positions with various common carriers, concentrating primarily on operations and freight rate negotiations in the years before industry deregulation. In the early 1970's he became a founder and part owner of Glass Express in Danville to the Sylvania Lighting plant in Versailles, Kentucky. The company used specially modified raised-roof trailers to increase hauling capacity.

During the same period, John also managed a combination BF Goodrich tire store and Texaco gas station, which served as a maintenance facility for the trucks. When Sylvania eventually built its own glass plant, Glass Express was no longer needed. John continued working in management and sales for several commercial trucking companies before retiring in 1990.

In 1998, John and Mae sold their farm and moved to Eagles Nest Golf Course in Somerset to be closer to their grandchildren. John took full advantage of living on the golf course and continued playing golf till he was 90 years old. He enjoyed the game and the friendships that came with it.

John and Mae were members of the United Methodist Church and were also devoted members of Gideons International. Through this organization, they shared a commitment to spreading the Gospel and distributing Bibles around the world. John served in numerous leadership positions, including Kentucky State President. He regularly spoke in churches more than 30 times a year, sharing his faith and the mission of the Gideons. His involvement continued well into his 90's and remained an important part of His life.

John's greatest legacy includes the family he and Mae built together. He is survived by his two sons and their families:

His son John T Pruitt Jr. , and wife Carol of Somerset, Kentucky; grandsons Aaron M. Pruitt and wife Shelby of Lexington, Kentucky, and Brandon T. Pruitt and wife Hope of Versailles, Kentucky. His great-grandchildren are Turner Graham Pruitt, daughter of Aaron and Shelby, and Clark True Pruitt, son of Brandon and Hope.

He is also survived by his son, Benjamin L. Pruitt, and wife Vickie of Atlanta, Georgia, and his brother, Robert Prewitt, of Greenwood, Indiana.

John lived a long and full life, spanning nearly a century of change. From his early years in rural Kentucky and military service overseas to raising a family, building a career, farming, and serving his church and community, he stayed active and involved throughout his life. He enjoyed his work, took pride in his accomplishments, valued his faith, and especially enjoyed having his family near by.
Just three days short of his 100th birthday, John leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family grateful for the many years they shared with him. He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his commitment to his faith, his years of hard work, and the life he built alongside Mae.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Morris and Hislope Funeral Home with Mr. John Simkins and Mr. Mike RIchey officiating.

Burial will follow on November 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Nicholasville, Kentucky.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 11:00 PM till time for services.

Morris and Hislope is honored to assist the family.