Mr. Alfred Ayres Pruitt, 78, passed away at his home in Onancock on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, with his loving wife, Mary Jeanette “Janie” Pruitt, at his side. A native of Tangier Island, he was a son of the late Alfred Stingles Pruitt and the late Nellie Ayres Crockett Pruitt.
Alfred was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country during the Vietnam War in the 1st Infantry Division known as “The Big Red One.” Having been born and raised on Tangier, commercial fishing and nicknames were a given. At birth, Alfred was nicknamed “Grumps,” later “Cigarette” and “Big Al,” and his many evenings dancing the night away with Janie earned him the nickname “Wild Thang.” Alfred and Janie enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean, Niagara Falls, and visited many states over the years, and he always looked forward NASCAR and NFL Sundays, especially when Rusty Wallace was racing or the Washington Redskins were playing. He was a devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by their son, Alfred Ayres “Skidder” Pruitt III, of Onancock; his brother, Mark S. Pruitt Sr., and wife, Robin, of Belle Haven; and several nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Kippy Marshall, Charlotte Miller, and Pricilla Bromley.
A private graveside service, with military honors, will be held at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Contributions in Alfred’s memory may be made to Intrepid Hospice, 165 Market St., Suite B, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes and condolences may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
