He was born Sept. 13, 1928, in Lexington, one of two sons of James Lee Pruett and Dimple Ramsey Pruett.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Helen Virginia McCullough Pruett; his brother, James Pruett; and his son, Oakey Lee Pruett Jr.

Oakey spent most of his career as a brick mason. Building was a large part of his life and his craftsmanship can still be seen throughout Rockbridge and surrounding counties at schools, businesses, homes and on the campus of Virginia Military Institute, from where he ultimately retired.

In addition to his family, his other true loves were hunting and his 1946 Jeep Willys, one of the first civilian Jeeps to be made after the war. Oakey hunted various game, but his favorite was deer hunting with his lever-action .45-70, which he was able to enjoy into his mid-90s. He served as a hunter safety instructor for many years and was known for teaching the black-powder section of the class.

Most of his family shared his love for hunting and all enjoyed his many stories of his adventures. He was a prolific storyteller and his long-term memory, even in his last days, was remarkable. He could recall details from his childhood and beyond with such detail that you felt like you, too, shared the experience.

In his retirement, Oakey also pursued his self-taught leatherwork craft, making beautiful, ornate leather goods, such as gun holsters, purses, and belts for family and friends. One year for Christmas, he made purses for every female in the family. Upon gifting them, he quickly noted that he, “would not be doing that again,” due to the numerous hours it consumed, which gave him and the rest of the family a good laugh. He was kind and gentle, but strong as an ox and firm in his beliefs.

Surviving are his children, Deborah McDill (Dee), Daniel Pruett (Deborah) and David Pruett (Paula); his grandchildren, Hunter, Danielle and Oakey Pruett III; and two great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was conducted Monday, Dec. 8, at Oak Grove Cemetery by Skyler Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks people make donations to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice or the Valley Program for Aging Services, as both Hospice and Meals on Wheels provided Oakey with tremendous support in his last years.

Arrangements were by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory. NG