Obituary of Donald Nelson Pruitt

Donald N. Pruitt (Coach Donnie Pruitt), 75 of Wytheville, Va passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2023. Donnie was born September 2, 1947, in Chilhowie Va to the late Everett and Frances Pruitt. He spent 42 years as a teacher and coach in Southwest Virginia including 2 years at Abingdon High School, 8 years at Powell Valley High School, and 32 years at George Wythe High School. While serving as head coach of the George Wythe Maroons football team, his accomplishments included leading the team to a State Championship in 2002 along with holding the record for the most wins by a GW head coach. Additionally, he coached the track and field team to 250 victories and developed many 8th grade basketball players for play at advanced levels. In addition to coaching, Donnie loved teaching as he taught hundreds of students U.S. History. Even more important to Donnie than coaching and teaching was being a mentor. He was always available to help a student or player with schoolwork, a ride to practice, or just being a friend. Those students who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher or coach always say what a difference he made in their lives. Most importantly, he was a loving husband to his wife, an exceptional father to his two children, and a proud grandfather to his three granddaughters. In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by brothers Tyler and Eddie Pruitt, in-laws Harold and Marie Garner, and brother-in-law Frank Garner. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Paula Pruitt, his children Susan Stringfellow and Preston Pruitt, and granddaughters Emily, Sydney, and Jessica Stringfellow along with her fiancé Brennan Greenlee. Also, he is survived by his brother Harry Pruitt, his sisters Lucy Jones and Retta Connors, and brother-in-law Phil Garner. Also left to mourn his loss is his trusted friend and fellow coach, Joe Gardner. A visitation will be held at Grubbs Funeral Home in Wytheville, Va on Sunday, September 3, 2023, from 4-6pm with a memorial service directly following. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org) in Coach Pruitt’s name. The family would like to express their gratitude to all those who reached out during his time of illness and to Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.