"I did not know Larry well. I was first introduced to Larry through the Ocala Horse Alliance. From the first introduction, it was clear, he was a dynamo... energetic, creative, caring and a marketing guy. Very quickly, I thought he would be such an asset as our membership chair but I knew we could likely never lasso him for that task. But he offered one better.. a trailer to be given away to a new member. Larry was right on board and very active with the Alliance and our Summit as he deeply cared about the horse industry in Marion County. And it was not just a business interest. He loved the idea of the Black Stallion Reading Project that we will be implementing in all 4th grade classes in 2021. He had stated that looking at and working on the future of the industry is critically important. I had great respect for Larry. He was an icon in this industry...and his energy, creative mind and kind heart will be immensely missed. Larry lived life to the fullest... and we should all strive to do that. You have my heartfelt condolences. Ellie Trueman"
In loving memory of
Larry Ray Pruitt
October 13, 1952 - June 5, 2020
LARRY RAY PRUITT
Passed away in the most heartbreaking incident at Eatonton, Georgia on Friday, June 5th, 2020 at the age of 67, Larry Ray Pruitt has been called home by our Lord in his loving hands.
Larry was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 13th, 1952 to his parents Robert and Marita. He once said that when he rode his first pony he realized he was attached to the horse and that he spent his life chasing horses. As a child he loved bowling but had always had a huge interest in horses which led him later on to be a successful horse trainer and eventually establishing Shadow Trailer in 2002. In retrospect, he was once a Reserve World Champion at the Buckskin World Show and coached many riders to top placings. He was a mentor, a leader, a father, and a friend to a lot of people. He cared a lot about the people around him and had always touched the lives of those who came to him. He believed that to whom much is given much is expected.
His daughters remember him as a good and loving father who had always supported them all the way to happiness and success. Memories like playing "barn" basketball; going to horse shows; sledding; and teaching them how to ride are only a few of the most wonderful memories that they will remember always. His family always knew him as a ray of sunshine who never failed to make everyone laugh in the room. His employees recalled him as a firm leader with a gentle heart who is always ready to lend a hand.
Larry loved York peppermint patties; Cherry Diet Coke; strawberry ice cream; the ocean and airplanes. He loved music, art and travelling. Second to training horses he truly loved flying. Becoming a licensed private pilot was a milestone he was truly proud of.
Larry is sadly missed by his dearly loved children Tye, Niki, Robert and Lawrence; his beloved wife Sarah; dear sister Debra; half sister Connie; cherished grandchildren; treasured friends; and extended families. He will be forever remembered by many people whom he touched their lives and especially by his team over at Shadow Trailer Inc--his legacy.
Tributes
"I\'ve known Larry since we were youngsters. He had a distinct voice and laugh; always a kind word whenever we would cross paths at so many horse events over the decades. I am deeply saddened by these tragic losses. His entire family remains in my thoughts and prayers for strength, resilience, comfort, and peace through this extraordinarily challenging time. ????"
" On behalf of the McNelis Family from New Castle, Indiana, I?m sending our deepest sympathies to Larry?s family and his loved ones. In the early 70?s when my family first got involved with horses, we were city slickers newly transplanted from Pittsburgh and I was a young teen. At the time, like most horse people, Larry was hanging around Orville Snediger?s barn, although now that I look back, I think he was more interested in Judy than the horses there. He was then, as I?m sure he remained, bigger than life, and the loudest in the barn. Yes, he was loud. Yes, he was opinionated. Yes, he always had a deal and would convince you to buy the horse you didn?t need, but he always made you feel special. Back then, one of the highlight?s of our week after riding would be to go hang out at Larry?s barn ? just to see what he had in the barn, hear him cuss a bit and laugh at his stories-Larry always had a story. There was never a horse Larry was afraid to get up on, there was never a horse he wouldn?t buy or sell for the right price, there was always laughter when Larry was around. Years later, we?d stopped by Larry?s new barn, but now he showed off his newest loves--his 3 girls. Just barely able to reach the stirrups, he?d throw each girl up on a random horse and beam with pride as they rode around the arena. Tye, Jody and Nikki made him so proud! He?d be coaching them over the rails at the horse shows, beaming with that big smile. It?s been almost 50 years since I first met Larry. I haven?t seen him in many years, but as horse people do, families kept in touch and when Larry moved to Florida and got involved with the trailer business, we knew he?d be successful and happy. He always was both. He was a big kid at heart, and I?m sure he had a lot of fun with his newest little ones. I?m now an attorney in Boca Raton, I haven?t seen Larry or been on a horse in too many years. But to this day, I think of my life in New Castle often as some of the best times, and Larry will always be a part of those great memories. As horse people, we enter the show ring and do our best riding on that rail until we get called to the center of the arena. As I?ve remembered Larry the past few weeks, I?m reminded that life is like that: We ride along the rail, never knowing when we?ll be called in by the Judge. Larry was called in far too soon, but his life was worthy of the blue. The McNelis family wishes Godspeed and always blue to Larry, his loving family, and dear friends. With deepest sympathy, Lisa McNelis "
"Larry was one of those people that even if it was years in between visits I allways new I could call at any time. From the time Christina , my daughter,, got her pony from him in 80s to Larry starting to come to the house this year to start riding cutting Horses at my house again ... Thank you Larry for all the fun times and friendship thru the years.. we will ride those cutting horses again someday my friend!!"
"There was never a day after spending time with Larry that you didn\'t feel better about the World from the laughs and \"words of wisdom\" he would share. He was a bright soul with a contagious smile. Many prayers sent to his family. Rest in Peace Larry. "
"Our deepest condolences for your loss. We are lifting your family in our prayers and we are so very sorry. "
"Thank you for all the years of business partnership we have had with our two companies , and the many many hours we shared discussing everything from flying to traveling to business and mainly about our families and being from the same home town. I will truly miss you , you are an awesome friend to me. May God bless you and your family through these so difficult of times. Until we meet again my friend"
"We are devastated by this loss. A hole that can\'t be filled and a life snuffed out too early. You are all in our family\'s thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. John 16:22 states, \"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.\" God bless and peace be with you all."
"I started up a friendship with Larry after he cold called me about a trailer I had for sale. I went on to buy three trailers from him over the years and had him custom build two of them. He was always quick to laugh and to be a man of his word. I always looked forward to a lively chat on the phone or when I stopped by the factory after I moved to Williston. He was a great supporter of Camp Boggy Creek and their equine program. If it involved kids he would gladly give and give generously. He couldn\'t keep the smile off of his face when he spoke of his family he was a proud father and husband. He will be greatly missed and I am saddened that his twins will never know first hand what a great dad they had."
"Heartfelt prayers to those who loved Larry that are left behind...trust he is watching over you!"
"Posted"
"I will always remember your smile dear Larry! Please shine bright up there and guide my ate Sarah and the twins always. "
"Condolence Sarah! Be strong for your kids. Hugs?"
"Every time I think of Larry it brings a smile to my face. RIP Larry you are missed but not forgotten. Prayers to the family."
"So sorry for you loss and we would keep the family in our prayers "
"God\'s blessings to the family."
"I never had the chance to meet you personally but I know and feel that you\'re a great husband and father. May you rest in peace, Larry. And to Sarah, sis, keep on being strong, God and I are with you in spirit. Hugs!!!!"
"Thank you for everything Larry. We will miss you. Thank you for all the help you\'ve done for me ? May you rest in peace?"
"May you rest in peace Larry. We will miss you... Thanks for everything? Condolences to the Pruitt family... "
"He really was one of a kind. Always good for a smile and a good word. My sincerest condolences to Tye, Niki and the rest of his family!!"
"Praying for his good soul, May he rest in peace. We are sending our deepest sympathy to Sarah and the family of Robert. We are praying for your strength . "
"It?s been years since I?ve seen Larry, but my dad would still tell me stories when he?d talk with him on the phone. I have many memories of him and Dad laughing and horsing around (and occasionally driving the other one crazy.) Lifting his family up in love and light."
"I did not know him like most but what I can say is that he was a man of his word. He is the reason I have my new Shadow Horse Trailer. I still have the message from him telling me \"you are a horse trailer owner\". He was a blessing to me. "
"Larry was a good man. I have memories of spending time with him a lot even experiencing tornados together, lots of horse shows and sales. I will always cherish and hold on to some of our great times together. And also he was the type of man when he heard that Jim had passed away he made a point to come. I wish I could be there for all of you but o can?t make it. I love you all and will be keeping you in my prayers. "
"Larry must have a really good father. He produced Tye Carson. As close to a saint as possible."
"Love your family and knowing how much you Loved each other The Pippenger family"
"Larry was truly amazing and I?m glad i got the chance to know him and work for his family. I will miss hearing ?glad you got to see me today!? . My thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"Larry helped make one of my favorite people in the whole world, his daughter Niki. Over the last 20 years, I\'ve only been around him a few times. He was always smiling and charming those he encountered. He will be so missed. He truly had a passion for life!"
"Larry is a ray of sunshine. Always smiling and full of energy. I will be forever grateful for all the kindness you\'ve shown me and for being a great husband to my very close friend, Sarah."
"Larry was a good Man! He was always there to help people and helped many. If you were right with him he was right with you. With much Respect he will truly be missed May he Rest In Peace "
"Sending prayers out to the family. Larry always made us feel welcome, when we stop by to see our sister Janet. Always supported our Children?s Miracle Hospital fundraisers out at Shadows. Blessed to have met Mr Larry. Sophie, Tim & Linda"
"Glimpse of Heaven! Wonderful memories of my old friend! Larry is young again, riding horses, in the beautiful Heaven! God Bless Larry?s family. ??"
"Vernon & Judy Owens send our deepest sympathies to Larry\'s family and friends. We didn\'t know you personally but we did meet you threw Tammy. You will be missed. "
"Larry was my teacher, trainer and my friend. I met Larry when I was 17 and learned many lessons with horses and life. He was hard but fair. He share his family with mine and I will never forget all the great times I had with them. I will miss him more than I can put into words."
"Prayers for the family in this tragic time! Larry was the person who mentored me and encouraged me to be my own broker when I was young and unsure .He touched many lives and he will be sadly missed. Rhonda"