Gary Ray Pruitt

      Gary Ray Pruitt was called home to Glory to be with his Lord Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of September 12, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving wife, sons, and family.

      Gary was born August 7, 1955, To Harrison T. And Mildred A. Pruitt in Casper Wyoming. His Father named him after Gary Cooper, an actor who starred in many Westerns.

        It was a great honor to have known him; our beloved husband, dedicated father, doting grandpa/papa, big brother, amazing uncle, cousin, and friend.

        Gary’s hands were quite large and his heart was even bigger. He was a true cowboy through and through. Gary was very passionate about riding horses and roping, along with his love of hunting and fishing. He shared many fishing adventures with his friend Mark Ross. He had many lifelong friendships that he cherished.

        He passed his love for horses down to his oldest granddaughter, Chloe, and he took great pleasure in teaching her the art of horsemanship. He also enjoyed teaching her how to hunt and fish. Through the years, he shared many hunting trips with his sons and other family members and friends hunting large game. He coached his sons in football and baseball. Gary was proud of being a part of Jason’s signing with the Baltimore Orioles. He was proud of his sons and the strong hard-working men his boys are and always were. Gary was very proud also of all eight of his grandchildren and their accomplishments.

         He was a member of The Ironworkers Local Union 454. He helped in constructing the Wyoming Ford Center in Casper and many other structures, bridges, and dams throughout Wyoming and Colorado. Gary along with Patty and their sons built a beautiful ranch In Arizona. They’ve owned several businesses together along with his father and sons; Casper Muffler, & TT Welding and Fabrication. He also managed Arizona Glass and Mirror for 20 years.

       He traveled the world over with his wife, and dear friends Georgia and Theo.

       Gary and Patty have been married for 50 years, enjoying an amazing life together. They were high school sweethearts and were married at Victory Assembly of God in Tucson, AZ. From their union, they were blessed with three sons, Christopher Ray, Timothy Cale, and Jason Wade along with all of their children; Gavin, Chloe, Presley, Kai, Zander, Jace, Cayleigh, and Coltyn. Also, Gary’s best buddy, Clydo the Dalmatian.

        With his grandchildren he had a special saying that would start off with, “Hey, guess what?”, and they would try and answer faster than Grandpa with “I love you”, and he would say “I love you too”.

         He was the father figure to many young men. He was stern, but also compassionate. He told them if they were going to do a job, do it right the first time or don’t bother doing it all. He reiterated by saying always stay one step ahead of the other guy. Gary was the first out the door to help anyone with a project and in doing so he made sure to recruit his boys to join in the work.

          He loved to dance and would swing his wife, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters across the dance floor whenever the opportunity arose.

          His love for Jesus started at a young age in church with his parents. He would play the guitar and sing with his little sister Cindy. This foundation in God is what he desired to leave behind for his family and his friends.

            Gary never gave up in a battle and he would comment that his dad was the toughest man he ever knew. Gary, like his father, fought a long, hard, and courageous battle with cancer.

           Gary was preceded in death by his Son- Timothy Cale Pruitt; Parents- Harrison and Mildred Pruitt; Sister’s- Sonia Pruitt and Bernice Hamilton; Brothers- Ronald Hoke and Darrell Pruitt; his grandparents, and niece Trina.

            A special thank you to: Rocky Mountain Oncology Staff, Dr. Wells, Dr. Fahead and the nursing staff, his nurse Jamie and Keeli, Rae and Holly of Caring Edge. Also his primary care doctor, Dr. Maxim Salva of Banner Health. Our friend Tony Chism and many of our other friends have been a blessing to our family with their unwavering support at this most difficult time.

    He is survived by; His wife- Patricia; sons-Christopher and Jason; daughters-in-law- Cody, Jennifer, and Missy; Grandchildren- Gavin, Chloe, Presley, Kai, Zander, Jace, Cayleigh, Coltyn; Sister- Cynthia Myers; Mother-in-law- Frances Haley; Three sisters-in-law, and also numerous nieces and nephews that were very close with Gary.

        “When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.” (Frederick Buechner).

      And now as this cowboy rides away, he tips his hat saying until we meet again……………..

       Services will be held September 20th, 2024, at 10 am at Highland Park Community Church, Casper, WY. Our Pastor, Mike Fackler will be officiating. Bustard & Jacoby are in charge of the services.