R. Craig Pruitt, 53, of Newberry, died Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Agape Hospice House in Lexington, SC. Born on April 22, 1965 in Newberry, he was the son of Jimmy Ray and Patsy Lieb Pruitt. Craig was a graduate of Newberry College and was the retired owner and operator of Carolina Slings Inc. of Hardeeville, SC. He built a successful business and holds two US patents relative to the industry. He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. As a youth, he was active in scouting and earned his Eagle Scout. He was a good athlete who enjoyed water skiing in his earlier years, played football during his high school years and was a member of the tennis team at Newberry College. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and shrimping. Craig formerly served on the Jasper County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs and was president of Kappa Alpha Order while at Newberry College. He was lovingly dubbed as the hardheaded uncle. Survivors include his parents, Jimmy Ray and Patsy Pruitt of Newberry; sister, Sheila Ellisor of Newberry; a very special niece, Chelsea Ellisor of Newberry; aunts and uncles, Bobby and Jean Lynch of Chattanooga, TN and Jim and Joyce Fraser of Anderson; and a number of cousins. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. on Friday, July 20 at the Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer conducted by the Rev. Matthew Titus. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to Newberry College, New Nursing Facility, 2100 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.