Samuel Clell Pruette (Sammy), 67, of Rutherfordton, NC passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021, after a 2 1/2 year long fight with lung cancer. To everyone who knew him, Sammy was a hero. He spent many years serving in the North Carolina Department of Corrections. Aside from spending time with family and friends Sammy enjoyed a nice day on the lake or golf course. He was a member of the Forest City Masonic Lodge.

He is preceded in death by his father, Herman Stanley Pruette. He is survived by his mother, Mary Sheehan Pruette, wife Sarah Pruette, sister Tammie Pruette (Tim), son Brad Pruette, daughter Jessica Hepfner (Aaron), grandkids, Chloe and Ryan, stepdaughter, Melanie Carrick, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC on December 22, 2021 at 3PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Height Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 28801.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

John 14:1-3

Online condolences at crowemortuary.com

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the Pruette family.