Raymond Everett Pruitt Jr.

Raymond Everett Pruitt, Jr. was born on August 29, 1940, in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Raymond Everett Pruitt and Wilma Lola (Reese) Pruitt. He passed from this life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 85 years. Raymond was raised and educated in California before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 14, where he graduated with the Webster High School Class of 1958. Shortly after graduation, Raymond enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of two beloved uncles. Ray was a machine gunner and rose to the rank of LCpl. He was also drum major of the 7th Marine Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Ray was honorably discharged in December 1960 and returned to Tulsa to help his ailing father run his DX Station. Ray attended Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State College before joining Crown Finance Corporation in 1962. Over the next 55 years, Ray enjoyed a distinguished career in banking, working for a variety of institutions in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in senior and executive management positions. Ray was deeply proud of his Creek Nation heritage and was honored to serve for three years on the Creek Tribal Gaming Commission. Ray retired from RCB Bank in 2011, and from AVB Bank in 2016. Ray loved playing golf, a game that brought him great joy, lasting friendships, and many cherished memories. Ray began golfing in his early twenties after his best friend, Ken, invited him to play a round. The game quickly became a lifelong passion. A natural athlete from an early age, Ray enjoyed baseball and swimming in his youth, and in high school he competed in football, track and field, and wrestling. He brought that same athletic ability and competitive spirit to the golf course. He golfed regularly with friends and held memberships at several courses around Tulsa, including Forest Ridge and Oaks Country Club. Over the years, he proudly achieved three holes-in-one, a testament to his skill, patience, and love of the game. Ray married the love of his life, Diana Simone (Marshall) Pruitt, on March 23, 2002, in Kansas City, Missouri. Together, they built a life filled with companionship, laughter, and shared devotion to the people they loved. In retirement, Ray and Diana chose a home along Bailey Ranch Golf Course, a fitting reflection of his love for the game and the peaceful life they enjoyed together. Above all, Ray treasured family. He took tremendous pride in his children and their accomplishments, valued time spent with extended family, warmly embraced Diana’s extended family as his own, and found great joy in the bonds that brought them all together. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Diana; his children, Jennifer White and her husband, Jim, and Rebekah Barberich and her husband, Matt; his daughter-in-law, Kim Pruitt, wife of his late son, Gary; and his grandchildren, Jesse White and Simone Marshall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Wilma Pruitt, and his son, Gary Pruitt. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso. Interment will be at Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery in Owasso. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

Raymond Everett Pruitt Jr.

August 29, 1940 - August 1, 2026