G. King Pruitt

G. King Pruitt Jr., 84, of Danville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

A lifelong Danville resident, King lived a life defined by faith, family, friendship, service, and a deep commitment to the community he loved. He was the beloved husband of Brenda Bentley Pruitt and a devoted father, grandfather, brother, friend, and mentor whose kindness and leadership touched countless lives.

Born into a family with deep roots in Boyle County, King proudly continued a tradition of serving others through Preston-Pruitt Funeral Home, a family business whose legacy dates back generations. Following in the footsteps of his father, George King Pruitt Sr., and generations before him, King dedicated his career to helping families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. To him, funeral service was far more than a profession — it was a calling.

For decades as owner and funeral director of Preston-Pruitt Funeral Home, King became a trusted and comforting presence throughout Danville and the surrounding communities. His calm guidance, compassion, and personal attention helped thousands of families honor the lives of those they loved. He believed every family deserved to be treated with dignity, respect, and genuine care.

King’s commitment to service extended far beyond his profession. He was a respected business and civic leader who believed deeply in giving back to the community that had supported his family for generations.

Throughout his life, King generously shared his time, leadership, and talents with numerous organizations. He served as president of the United Way, president of the Central District Funeral Directors Association, and president of the Central Kentucky Funeral Limousine Service. He also served as president of Danville Country Club, director of the Danville Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Danville Jaycees.

King’s leadership and dedication were also reflected through his service as chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, vice chairman of the Danville-Boyle County Airport Board, member of the Kentucky Master Trust Advisory Board, and as a member of the Citizens Bank Board of Directors. He was also a dedicated Mason for more than 50 years with his local lodge.

One of King’s most meaningful commitments was his more than 30 years of volunteer service with the Central Kentucky Center for Veterans Affairs. His appreciation and respect for veterans reflected the same values that guided his entire life — gratitude, service, loyalty, and caring for others.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. As a longtime active member of First Christian Church in Danville, King faithfully served his church and congregation for many years and was honored as Elder Emeritus in recognition of his dedicated service and leadership. King demonstrated his faith not only through words, but through his actions — showing kindness, generosity, compassion, and respect toward others.

While King’s accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember the person behind them — his quick wit, sense of humor, genuine interest in others, and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. He loved people and treasured the friendships he built throughout his life.

One of King’s greatest joys was the fellowship he shared with his cherished Coffee Club. The conversations, laughter, stories, and friendships formed around those gatherings brought him tremendous happiness and became a special part of his life.

King also enjoyed golf, traveling, aviation, and spending time with family and friends. He embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm and created memories that will continue to live on through those who loved him.

Even through his lengthy battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, King faced his illness with courage, dignity, and strength. Although PSP gradually limited him physically, it never changed the qualities that defined him — his character, humor, love for his family, and the impact he had on others.

King is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Bentley Pruitt of Danville; his son, G. Booker Pruitt II and his wife, Rebecca, of Saint Simons Island, Georgia; his daughter, Gretchen Pruitt McDaniel and her husband, Scott McDaniel, of Lexington, Kentucky; and his beloved grandchildren, Ruby George Sun Pruitt and Sy King McDaniel.

He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Jo Coomer and her husband, Hugh Coomer, of Danville, Kentucky, and Anne Hood of Michigan, wife of the late Michael Hood.

Active pallbearers will be Mike Bentley, George Coomer, Vaughn Frey, Bill Johnson, Les Letton, Marion Minor, Tommy Stocker, and Marshall Wilt.

Honorary pallbearers will be John Bowling, Darrell Ferrell, Susan Hunt, Bruce Jones, Patti Powell, George Saufley, Short Saufley, George Thompson, and the members of King’s cherished Coffee Club, whose friendship and fellowship brought him great joy throughout the years.

King’s legacy will live on through the countless families he served, the community he strengthened, the friendships he cherished, and the family he loved deeply. His life reflected the values he carried every day: treat people with kindness, serve others, do what is right, and never compromise your integrity.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, at Preston Pruitt Spurlin Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at First Christian Church in Danville, Kentucky. A private family graveside service will follow.

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