Born April 28, 1936 in Anderson, South Carolina
Departed July 21, 2023 in Indialantic, Florida
Patricia Ann Pruitt (nee Drake), of Indialantic, Florida passed away at home on Friday, July 21, 2023. Pat was born in Anderson, South Carolina on April 28, 1936 to parents Samuel T. Drake and Wilma M. Drake. Pat met her husband of 67 years, James (“Jack”) Ernest Pruitt, Jr. while in Starr, South Carolina. They were married on August 11, 1956.
Pat spent her formative years in Anderson, South Carolina where she attended Girls High School and was Student Body President in her senior year. She then attended Winthrop College prior to marrying Jack. After their honeymoon, they moved to Indialantic for Jack’s career at Radiation, Inc (now part of L3Harris Corp). Pat set up a loving home to welcome the arrival of sons Jim and Drake, and dedicated her time in service to Holmes Regional as a volunteer, and as a member of the Junior League. She was also a dedicated mixed doubles partner who loved playing tennis with family and friends at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club. In 1973, Jack’s career led the family to the Northeast, first to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and then on to Mystic Connecticut where Pat dedicated her time to raising the family, continuing her love for playing tennis, and earning her real estate license. In 1981, Pat was delighted to re-join her dearest friends and the community when Harris asked Jack to move back to Indialantic, where her heart had always been at its fullest.
Pat enjoyed entertaining, playing bridge, reading and time spent with her friends and family. Though known for her wit and southern charm, Pat possessed uncommon strength and determination. When dealt a devastating breast cancer diagnosis in 1982, she persevered through many months of chemotherapy and numerous surgeries at MD Anderson in Houston. She emerged cancer-free and deeply indebted to the cancer and hospice communities. Over the following 35 years, Pat dedicated her time to supporting cancer treatment and hospice organizations. She was an active member of the Health First Hospice Board of Directors since 1989, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2018. Pat also served on the Health First Foundation Board since 2003. During that time, she was active on many committees, chaired the Foundation Benefit Ball and has served as Board Secretary since 2012. Pat also served as the President of the Junior Service League, and as a member of the Brevard Art Center & Museum in Melbourne. Pat and Jack have been faithful members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indialantic since 1960.
She is survived by her loving husband Jack, her sons Jim (Julie) and Drake (Wendy), five grandchildren Jack (Emmie), Austin, Adam (Noelle), Evan (Luke), Hudson and Piper, her brother Dr. Sam Drake (Nancy) and nieces Kirby, Whitney and Casey, her brother- in-law Dr.Wesley Pruitt (Ellanor) and niece Nora.
A celebration of life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 N. Riverside Drive, Indialantic on Sunday, August 27, at 3pm followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Health First Foundation or to Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pat’s honor:
Deborah Criddle
from Perryville wrote on August 17, 2023:
Dear Jack boys and all the grandkids so sorry for your loss Pat was a wonderful woman I will miss talking to her every now and then on the phone I miss them so bad since I moved away and tried to stop and see him every now and then it breaks my heart to know she's gone so I know how you're hurting I'm so so sorry God be with you all and I love you all love Debbie
Jackie Keith
from Indialantic wrote on August 16, 2023:
I always admired and highly regarded Pat for her many years of dedication to our community! I enjoyed her socially at Eau Gallie Yacht Club many times and was proud of our commitments to the Health First Foundation. My deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Jack and the family. Pat will be greatly missed.
Marion E Pruitt Jr
from Anderson, SC wrote on August 6, 2023:
On behalf of me and my family you have our deepest sympathy. About all one can say at a time like this is , we are deeply sorry for your loss.
May God be with you and your family and console you.
Marion and Millie Pruitt
and family.
Pam Bridges
from Melbourne wrote on August 2, 2023:
So very sorry to learn of Pat’s passing, and my heart goes out Jack as he continues without her. Since joining Holmes Regional’s Development Council in the mid-80’s, I had the privilege of supporting Pat on many events and projects for the Foundation & Hospice House. She was always gracious, hard working, generous and so elegant. The community has lost a true gem with her passing, Heaven has gained an Angel with her arrival. My deepest condolences to Jack and the family and friends who will miss her dearly.
Jocelyn and Phil
from I H b. Fl wrote on August 1, 2023:
To all of Pat’s family: Want you all to know how precious she was to us. Even in these last years we were not close we thought of both of them often sending love. We had many great times together thru the years and will hold on to those times. We send out deepest sympathies. Joce and Phil B
Jerry Haddock
from Houston,Texas wrote on July 30, 2023:
Dearest Jack, Words fail me how sad I am of Pat’s passing! She was my dearest friend over 50 year’s I loved her like a sister. May her soul Rest In Peace! Your in my thoughts and prayers Jack.
GWEN HERRING SINGLETARY
from Indialantic wrote on July 27, 2023:
Dearest Jack, what memories from the early days. You and Huston at Radiation working the long hours and catching the red eye. Pat and I chasing babies. And I’ve never forgotten the evenings spent laughing while Pat entertained us. I’m thinking of your family. Thanks to you both for the memories. Love to you and your boys. Gwen Singletary
Anne Fuller
from Auburn wrote on July 27, 2023:
Enjoyed being friends with Pat so many years. I wore a pair of pale pink jeans last week that I bought from Pat when she was selling Doncaster at least 20 years ago. Brought back such fun memories. I spoke to her several weeks ago when her brother was visiting. What a blessing that was that Sam had that time with her. Miss you Pat. God Bless. ❤️❤️❤️
Debbie Freeman Shannon
from Boca Raton, Fl wrote on July 27, 2023:
I was so shocked to hear the news of Pat’s passing. She was such a big part of my life growing up in Indialantic. It was always the Pruitt‘s, the Boggs, Sandberg‘s, and the Freeman‘s on the tennis court, at the beach, and wearing crazy hats at parties. She was so involved in community service, and she was instrumental in making south Brevard County such a beautiful place to live. I loved Pat very much and I know there is a very special place for her in heaven. ❤️
Karen Woolley✨
from Hinsdale, IL wrote on July 27, 2023:
Thinking of the amazing Pruitt Family today. 🙏🏻 Such a pleasure to have met everyone outside of Atlanta as I photographed Jim & Julie’s wedding. My condolences to all.
Julie Pruitt
from Seattle wrote on July 27, 2023:
I will never forget how much you welcomed me into your family. I always felt appreciated and loved. Thank you for that. You raised some amazing boys who turned into incredible men. Thank you.
Born April 28, 1936 in Anderson, South Carolina