Philip David Pruitt

Philip David Pruitt Philip David Pruitt, 57, of Longview passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009, in the arms of his beloved wife, Becky, surrounded by family and friends following a year long battle with lung cancer. Services will be at 10 AM Thursday, February 12, 2009, at First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Fredonia Street, in Longview. Family visitation and viewing will be Wednesday, February 11, 2009, from, 5-7 PM at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Burial will follow at Smyrna Cemetery in Smyrna Community north of Harleton. Mr. Pruitt was born on February 15, 1951, in Marshall, Texas, to Curtis and Mildred Pruitt. He was raised in Longview, and graduated in 1969 from Longview High School. He attended Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches and The University of Texas in Austin. He owned Texas Air Suppliers in N. Richland Hills, and resided in the Arlington area for many years. He retired in 2002 and he and his wife moved home to Longview in 2005. Phil's love of golf was at its peak, living on the golf course and having his own golf cart to take him to join his beloved "Choose Up" group. He had a quiet, gentle spirit about him that allowed him to make and keep close friends wherever he went. He was admired and respected by all who knew him as he slowly, but deliberately, passed through his short time on earth. He was a born leader who led by example in his classy, methodical manner. He was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and joined his precious father, Curtis, and grandparents "Brick" and "Big Mama" Sandlin and Curtis and Jewel Pruitt. He is survived by his wife, Becky, of Longview; mother, Mildred Pruitt of Longview; son Corey Pruitt and wife Sarah of Arlington; daughter Lindsey Pruitt-Kinsey and husband Matt of Mansfield, Texas; sister Pam Roland and husband Dave of Irving, Texas; grandsons, Ethan and Ashton Pruitt and Baby Cade Kinsey, who will be born in May; aunt, Jerry Mauldin of Longview; uncle, Virgil Sandlin and wife Ruth of Mesquite, Texas; nephew Troy Montgomery and his wife Mindy and son Landry, of Watauga, Texas; and many cousins and a host of dear friends. Phil was so comforted that Becky's son, Lance McWhorter and grandson, Justin, had recently moved to Athens, Texas to be close to and nurture her as this inevitable sorrow was approaching. Pallbearers will be Mark Morgan, Curtis Crabtree, Cliff Bauerle, Lovelle Upton, Steve Hannigan, Steve Roberson, Jim Smith, and Dave Bobert. Honorary Pallbearers are his high school buddies Wayne Holdridge, Jimmy Calk, David Miller, and Mark Friend. Also Bill "Doc" Havens, and all Phil's AMBUC brothers. Special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lewis Duncan and his nurses, Debbie and Phyllis; Dr. Adam Yu; Dr. Bill Taylor and staff; and all the staff at Longview Regional Medical Center who cared for Phil during his many days there recently. Memorials, if desired, may be made in Phil's memory to the Longview Chapter of AMBUCS, c/o Mike Burgett, Secretary, 101A Woodbine Place, Longview, Texas 75601. Phil would tell us all to "Cowboy Up" as we struggle to go on without him. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com. SHOULD YOU GO FIRST Should you go first and I remain To walk down the road alone, I'll live in memories' garden, Dear, With happy days we've known. In spring I'll wait for roses red When faded the lilac's blue; In early fall when leaves turn brown I'll catch a glimpse of you. Should you go first and I remain For battles to be fought, Each thing you've touched along the way Will be a hallowed spot. I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile, Though blindly I may grope; The memory of your helping hand Will buoy me on with hope. Should you go first and I remain To finish he stroll we started, No lengthening shadows shall creep in To make me walk downhearted. We've known so much happiness, We've had our cup of joy, And memory is one gift of God That death cannot destroy. I'll want to know each step you take That I may walk the same, For someday, down that lonely road You'll hear me call your name. Should you go first and I remain, One thing I'd have you do: Walk slowly down that long, lone path For soon I'll follow you. By: Albert Rowswell I love you, Baby Doll, Becky

Philip David Pruitt

February 15, 1951 - February 7, 2009