Terry Thomas Pruiett

Terry Thomas Pruiett
Terry Thomas Pruiett

Terry Thomas Pruiett

June 29, 1948 – November 27, 2020

If Terry T. Pruiett were to write his own obituary, it would read something like this: “Terry Pruiett was born on June 29, 1948 and died on November 27, 2020.”

The end. Period.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel in Amarillo with Scott Davey of Grace Church officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park in Borger. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Because that dash between 1948-2020 holds 72 years of cherished memories for his family and friends, his family would like to expound on this humble man.

Terry Thomas Pruiett was born to Nova Jo and Thetis (Peanut) Pruiett on June 29, 1948 in Borger. His arrival completed the family of four and made his sister, Linda, a loving and forever protective big sister.

Four words best describe Terry: Faith. Family. Friends. Fords.

He learned to have Faith and came to know the Lord at a young age. The teachings of the Bible were forever molded into his heart and guided him for a lifetime.

Terry learned the importance of Family from his parents’ strong emphasis on family ties. His maternal grandparents, Annie and William Newman, kept their flock of children close with frequent family gatherings. Summertime meant travels to Ava, Missouri, to visit paternal grandparents, Cordia and Ebb Pruiett, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Although somewhat introverted and reserved, Friends meant everything to Terry. Those who earned his trust became his friends forever.

His passion was Fords and he never wavered from the brand. He learned about them at a young age from his father who also was a “Ford man.” Terry grew up in the muscle car era and had a particular soft spot for, well, … basically any Ford but preferred those with a kick of horsepower: Mustangs, Shelby’s, Cobras, Falcons, Thunderbolts, Torino’s, Thunderbirds, Street Rods, Trucks … you get the idea.

Terry graduated from Borger High School in 1966, attended Frank Phillips College, and earned an Associates degree in Computer Programming from Draughon’s Business College in Amarillo, Texas.

However, he discovered sitting at a computer all day wasn’t for him. He soon went to work at Phillips Petroleum Copolymer Plant in Borger where he “stacked rubber” eight hours a day. Because of his long hair and era-fashionable lamb chop sideburns, his coworkers nicknamed him “Hippy,” a name that stayed with him throughout his career.

With a knack for mechanic work, Terry moved to Pampa, Texas, with Phillips in 1972 as an industrial mechanic. There his knowledge of what makes an engine run shined bright as he worked in the fields and booster stations across the eastern Texas Panhandle. He retired at a time when mergers and name changes were gearing up in the petroleum industry so what was originally Phillips had changed to Duke Energy.

It seemed Terry had a difficult time distinguishing the difference between retirement and working hard so he often chose the later. Whether it was maintaining an immaculate weed-free lawn, installing a sprinkler system across two acres or overhauling an engine, it was always done to perfection. Those who knew him learned to appreciate his fussiness.

Life for Terry wasn’t all work and no play. He relished in road trips that went anywhere. In particular cross-country motorcycle trips with longtime friends. However, spending time with his grandchildren was “Papa’s” favorite moments.  Even Fords took a back seat to the happiness they brought to his life.

His loved ones will forever miss Terry’s “gotcha” sense of humor and his uncanny ability to never forget details. Never. No kidding … never.

Survivors include his wife Cathy Pruiett of Amarillo; son Terry Lee Pruiett and wife Kimberly of Canyon and sister Linda Walton of Amarillo. Grandchildren Charlotte, Penelope and Harvey. Plus a gazillion family members and friends he truly loved.

Viewing will be available from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

Use this link to view the service: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t13nE_BC4EQNCxAAhIHVeYCQKAYFzic-/view?usp=sharing

Terry had a soft spot for the youth at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch and for years donated his car magazines to their automotive shop. Please consider making a donation to Boys Ranch in lieu of flowers. https://www.calfarley.org/waystogive/

Pedal to the metal, Terry T. Pruiett. Godspeed.

35 Replies to “Terry Thomas Pruiett”

  1. Terry Lee and Cathy this is Casey and I wanted you to know that y’all mean the world to me I love you so much. Terry was a great man and I’ll never forget the things he taught me and our family adventures the many dinners and trips , Terry and peanut and little Terry’s antic’s I .. will also never forget how Terry sat every day with my dad at his passing .. I loved my uncle terry and he throughout his life showed me what a real family is and was , he never judged me for my many mistakes and was quick to smile , a man with wisdom and above all family.
    My deepest condolences
    Casey glynn Dobbs

  2. Cathy, Neal and I were so sorry to learn of Terry’s passing. Neal thought a lot of Terry and enjoyed the time they spent living together while they were both attending Draughon’s Business College. He will certainly be missed. Our deepest sympathy to you and your son and family.

  3. Cathy, what a beautiful tribute. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
    Paige Bonilla

  4. I am hurt at the passing of Terry. It has been almost 18 years since Betty passed. I feel the hurt of the entire family. Love to all. Ron

  5. Great guy that always was willing to help anyone who needed it. Many days spent at the lakes, skiing, and traveling with Terry and always had a great time. RIP friend !

  6. Sending our ove and prayers to Cathy and Linda and family…may GOD continue to lift you all and give ya strength and HIS grace! ❤️

  7. What a wonderful picture you painted of Terry!
    My heart aches for your loss.
    You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Carol Lovelady

  8. My condolence to the family of Terry.
    Enjoyed working with him at the Phillips facility in Pampa. Rode his motorcycle in good weather and his squeaky clean Ford car in bad weather to and from work. We all knew him as “Hippy”.

  9. I am so saddened at Terry’s passing, and I have been struggling for words that will do justice to a life so well lived. I recall many wonderful times with our Mustangs, and miss Terry greatly already. Cathy, Cindy and I are holding you close to our hearts till such time we can give you a hug in person. All our love.

  10. Cathy and Linda Jo, I’m so sorry I can’t be at the service. I have so many memories of the summers in Ava, but of course in younger years he was always the little brother that liked to bug us. But as we grew older became a good friend. Terry was a very kind hearted person and Will be greatly missed by all. Prayers for all.
    Love you guys, Donna Fae

  11. Cathy and family,
    We are so sorry to learn of Terry’s passing. We pray God will wrap His arms around you and give you peace and comfort.
    We love you,
    Kenny and Dena

  12. Our heartfelt condolences, cousin Terry will be deeply missed. So sorry we couldn’t come to the service. Terry is in the presence of the Lord. Cathy we are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.

  13. It is with heavy heart, we send condolences.

    Terry was always a welcoming, friendly, kind and loving man; much respected and admired.

    We so looked forward to our visits with him at family functions. He was such a joy to be around and converse with. Granted cars and motorcycles were always in topic.

    Fond memories of times shared between cousins will forever be cherished.
    So sorry we can’t be there with you. Know we are in spirit and love.
    Jeff and Lynn Ann Pruiett

  14. Cathy,

    Please accept my thoughts, prayers and love for you during this difficult time. I am truly sorry for the loss of Terry. His smile will be missed.

  15. Cathy, the Winters Family is thinking of you and your Family at this sad time. Terry was an amazing man, my brother JT and I was exchanging stories this morning Mom would tell us about Terry, his is love for Fords, You and Terry Lee. Know you also have a strong faith.

    Will be lifting you up in prayer Cathy as you get through Terry’s service and the holidays.

  16. Cathy,

    So very sorry about your great loss. His obit is wonderful and now I feel like I knew Terry.

    Love,
    Brenda

  17. A beautiful tribute…..You are all so blessed to have Terry as part of your lives, just as Terry is to have all of his loved ones be a part of his life, here and eternally.

  18. my life-long friend, i miss you already, from 1st grade in Gateway elementary to last day on earth, I love you buddy, you know that be cause I told you. I will always remember our many fun times and arguing about cars. God speed my friend!

  19. Cathy, your loving tribute to your husband is beautiful. I know that it has been a long journey for you both and my thoughts are with you. May his memory be a blessing.

  20. Love and prayers Cathy, Terry Lee and family – Terry was such a special treasure to our family.

    Heidi Chronister

  21. Cathy and family — What a sweet tribute to Terry! You built a great life and family together. Here’s to peace and many great memories to cherish.

  22. My dear Cathy, I didn’t have the good fortune to know Terry. I was, however, always aware of the great love you two shared. It glowed on your face.

    I wish I could remove your heartache. Revel in your many blessed memories to warm your tender heart.

    God Bless you,, my friend.♥️

  23. Dear Cathy and family,
    The loving tribute that I know Cathy composed, makes me feel like I knew Terry . I’m so sorry for your loss. May your cherished memories comfort you now and in the future.
    Maria DeBrango Stickel

  24. Terry had a gem of a wife who is talented with words. We will forever remember Terry; the memories are happy ones.

    It is unthinkable that times like this keep our families apart. But your family is in our hearts and prayers.

    Love you sweet cousin.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *