Sam Pruett was born in Michigan City, Indiana in 1932 and grew up in a home near Lake Michigan with his parents, Samuel Kingston Pruett and Anne M. Stoehr, and his sisters Ann and Evelyn, who preceded him in death.

Sam graduated from Howe Military Academy in 1950 and then from Indiana University in 1954. While at Indiana University, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His senior year he was Cadet Commander of the IU Air Force ROTC unit. 

Upon graduation, he married Yvonne (Bonnie) Jones of Pine Village, Indiana. After serving 3 years in the Air Force as a pilot, he joined the Procter and Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. While in Cincinnati, two children were born: Carrie Greene (who now lives with her husband Vincent in Baltimore, Maryland) and Steve Pruett (who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio). Also surviving are two grandchildren, Dawson Brown (of Denver, Colorado) and Coady Brown (of Gap, Pennsylvania). 

Sam’s early years were wonderful. He loved growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan in a home with loving parents and sisters. Howe Military Academy was a fantastic, formative experience, as was Indiana University. Becoming an Air Force pilot was his childhood dream come true, and it turned out to be even more exciting than he ever anticipated. His career at Procter and Gamble spanned 37 years. In 1957 he began working in an entry level position in the advertising department and retired in 1994 as the Vice President of Human Resources of Procter and Gamble worldwide. Sam loved working at Proctor and Gamble. He always considered the decision to pursue a career at P&G a true stroke of luck. 

His first wife, Bonnie, died in 2013 of Alzheimer's. They had over fifty wonderful years together. She was a loving wife and mother. Their two children, Carrie and Steve, always made them very proud. In 1998 the Pruetts became full-time residents of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where they had owned property since 1975. They enjoyed golf, relaxation, and made many wonderful friends. In 2013, Sam married Joan Parker, who was widowed in 2008. They had been friends for over 50 years. Sam and Joan did extensive traveling and enjoyed living at the Cypress where they relished spending time with friends.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sam will be held on Saturday, March 21st at the Cypress Hall, 20 Ladyslipper Lane, Hilton Head Island from 1-3pm.

Sam’s last written words were “I have had a full and wonderful life and am grateful to so many people”.