Ralph Pruette Anderson, SC Mr. Ralph Lynn Pruette, age 87, of Anderson, SC, passed away Friday, May 9, 2014 at AnMed Health Medical Center. Born in Charlotte, NC, he was the son of the late G.V. Pruette and the late Ivy Wyrick Pruette. As a teenager, Ralph was very involved in sports as a player in both football and baseball. He was enthusiastic about aviation and acquired a pilot's license at the age of 15. He joined the United States Navy during World War II, where he served on the USS Midway and then later on the USS Layete. After his military career, Ralph received a degree from Clemson University in Textile Engineering. He worked in the textile industry for several years, most of his career he worked as a mechanical engineer, first with the University of North Carolina and later with the state of North Carolina. Ralph was active in many endeavors. He was a long time member of the Durham Lion's Club, where he especially enjoyed his role as tail twister. Ralph was also very supportive of Clemson University athletics. He was a member of Parkwood United Methodist Church in Durham, NC. Left to carry on his legacy include his sons, Dr. Ralph Pruette, Jr. and his wife Windy, of Anderson, Henry W. Pruette and his wife Eileen, of Durham, NC, James E. Pruette, of Durham, NC and John R. Pruette and his wife Donna, of Greensboro, NC; eight grandchildren, Dr. Autumn Pruette, Todd Pruette, Megan Pruette, David Pruette, Edward Pruette, John Henry Pruette, Alaina Pruette and Ryan Pruette; and three great-grandchildren, Ben, Dan and Andy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Annie Rose Wolfe Pruette. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Mr. Ralph L. Pruette will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Clements Funeral Home in Durham, NC. The family will receive friends at Clements Funeral Chapel on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Pruette may be made to Durham Lion's Club, 1209 Queensbury Circle, Durham, NC 27713 Events Visitation Thursday, May 15, 2014 2:00PM - 4:00PM Clements Funeral Home Durham, NC, US , Memorial service Thursday, May 15, 2014 4:00PM Clements Funeral Home Durham, NC, US ,