BLACKSTONE, Va. - Lt. Col. Daniel Wilson Pruitt, USAF (Ret.), age 81, of Blackstone, Va., passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018.
He was predeceased by his parents, Wallace W. and Nina O. Pruitt; daughter, Sharon Kay Pruitt; granddaughter, Rose McSwain; brother, Robert C. Pruitt; and sister, Patricia P. Connelly.
Dan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gwendolyn White Pruitt; daughter, Lt. Col. Anita P. McSwain, M.D., USAFR; son-in-law, Robert L. McSwain, M.D.; granddaughter, Annaliese Eliza McSwain; sister, Rebecca P. Hudson; and brother, James T. Pruitt.
Dan graduated from Midway High School and earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. After retiring from a decorated career with the U.S. Air Force, he returned to school and received associate degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering from Delaware Technical Community College, where he then taught. Dan was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and spent 28 years as a navigator on several types of aircraft and served in Vietnam. He logged over 13,500 hours flying time during his career, retiring in 1988 as Chief Navigator at Dover, AFB, Delaware. He remained in Dover until 2000, when he and his wife returned to Blackstone to care for his wife's parents. During his Air Force career, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation and multiple other honors. He was a 1978 recipient of the Mackay Trophy.
A funeral service was held 2 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2018, at White Oak United Methodist Church, 9516 White Oak Church Rd., Wilsons, Va. 23894, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment immediately followed in the church cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to White Oak United Methodist Church, c/o Elaine Pearson, 5250 Cox Rd., Wilsons, Va. 23894. Arrangements by the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, Blackstone, Va. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com