Robert Lee Pruitt Jr.

 Robert “Bob” Pruitt, Jr., age 84, of Peoria, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 27th, 2025, peacefully in his sleep after complications from COVID and pneumonia. He was born on May 14, 1940, to Robert, Sr. and Helen Pruitt.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 24 years, Laura; daughters Jeanne (Mike) Pruitt-Burroughs of Peoria, IL, Kimberly (Pat) Pruitt-Murphy of Roscoe, IL, and stepson William (Cathleen) Schisler of Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Matthew (Adrianna) Pruitt of Peoria, AZ, Kaylea (Chris) Blount of Naperville, IL, Emmy (Jake) Pruitt of Tempe, AZ, Ashtin Murphy of Rockton, IL, and Reno Murphy of Roscoe, IL; great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Mallory, and Aiden Pruitt of Peoria, AZ, and Colette and Boden Blount of Naperville, IL; and his beloved dog, Gus. He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Jimmy.

Bob drove a concrete truck for Construction Materials, worked as a bottling foreman for Pabst Brewing Company, worked as a golf pro at Quail Meadows Country Club, and then owned The Rack bar in East Peoria, Illinois, until retiring in 2002.

Bob and Laura loved golfing together and going dancing. Bob was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching them play whenever he could. He even got to throw out the first pitch (a strike!) at a game and met hall of famer Ozzie Smith in September of 2023. While his love of baseball was great, it paled in comparison to his love of golf. He not only worked as a pro but competed in and won various tournaments around the Peoria area. He was so quick witted and always cracking jokes to make his family and friends laugh. There was truly never a dull moment when he was around. His family was always greeted with a huge smile and tight hug every time he saw them. He genuinely loved life and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Hit 'em long and hit 'em straight, Bobby Lee. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.