Vernon Wayne Pruitt, age 75, beloved husband of Joanne Burns Pruitt, and a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at his residence.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Ledbetter officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Maury Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force. A visitation will also be held on Sunday from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

Born on June 30, 1951, in Columbia, Tennessee, Wayne was the son of the late Walter Vernon Pruitt and the late Eva Mae Winn Pruitt. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1971 until 1975. Following his military service, he met the love of his life, Joanne Burns, and the couple married on October 27, 1979, beginning a marriage that spanned more than forty-six years.

Wayne devoted forty-one years of service to the City of Columbia Wastewater Department, where he recently served as maintenance supervisor. He and Joanne were founding members of Liberty Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as the song leader for many years.

A gifted mechanic and true jack of all trades, Wayne enjoyed working on cars and had an incredible ability to repair just about anything. He possessed a genuine servant's heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Above all else, Wayne treasured his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Brandon Wayne Pruitt of Alabama, Daniel Glen (Jessica) Pruitt of Knoxville, TN, sister, Brenda (Jimmy) Glenn of Columbia, TN, grandchildren, Walter Pruitt of Alabama, Warren Pruitt of Alabama, Adalyn Pruitt of Knoxville, TN, Lincoln Pruitt of Knoxville, TN, brothers and sisters in law, James (Debbie) Burns, Wilma McConnell, Brenda (Mike) Johnson, Charlie James, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marshall Glen Pruitt, father and mother in law, RM “Buddy” Burns and Daisy Burns, and sister in law, Debbie James.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Tommy Stanfill, Mike Anderson, Mike Fox, Chris Lovett, Ronnie Pruitt, Kerry Pruitt, and Donnie Boshers. Honorary pallbearers will include Gary Pruitt, David Pruitt, Mike Pruitt, Terry Thomason, members of Liberty Baptist Church, Dr. Richard Douglas Kennedy, and the staff of The Medical Group of Columbia.