Marlon Pruett

Marlon Roy Pruett, age 68, of Ward, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on February 19, 2026. He was born on February 22, 1957, in Beebe, Arkansas, to Carroll Pruett and Shirley Pruett, both of whom preceded him in death. Marlon passed away at home.

Marlon was a kind-hearted and caring man who was always willing to help others. A hard worker and true jack-of-all-trades, he had an incredible ability to learn anything he didn’t already know. Over the years, he worked in construction and cabinet-making and later in apartment maintenance and heating and air, where he became known as someone who could fix just about anything. He was brilliant, highly intelligent, and gifted with many talents and skills. He enjoyed woodworking, music, being outdoors, and gardening—interests he shared with his parents.

He was easy-going, had a good sense of humor, and never met a stranger. Marlon would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need and accepted people just as they were, without judgment. Though he had a hard life, he rarely complained and found happiness in simple things. He didn’t want or need much—and everyone who knew him knew of his fondness for Little Debbie snack cakes.

A man of Christian faith, Marlon believed in Jesus Christ and lived by strong values of integrity, honesty, hard work, and keeping one’s word. He wasn’t perfect, but he did his best to live according to those principles and instilled them in his children. He loved his family fiercely and was always there when they needed him.

Marlon was a survivor in every sense of the word. He survived being stabbed and shot as a teenager and young adult, overcame addiction earlier in life, and later survived a stroke and other medical challenges. Through it all, he remained resilient, humble, and faithful.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Shirley Pruett; his brother, Bryan (Mo) Pruett; nieces Tracy and Ashley Bayless; nephew Christopher Pruett; brothers-in-law Cecil Bayless, Phillip Gregory, and Daniel Cox; former in-laws Marie Webster and George Webster; sister-in-law Deborah Seigrist; brother-in-law David Webster; and lifelong friend Kerry Bryan.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Malisa Boje, with whom he shared over 26 years of marriage and a lasting friendship; his children Flora Pruett-Roberts (Joe Roberts), Amanda Pruett, Natalie Heath, Marlena Pruett (Chad), Carlin Pruett (Krysteena), and Angelica Boje; his sisters Debbie Bayless, Rhonda Sutton, Brenda Ballard (Donny Ballard), and Beth Pruett; former sisters-in-law Karen Hubbard and Sherri (Rob); along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, close friends, and his beloved dog, Tiny. He was truly loved by many.

We take comfort in the promise of Scripture and the hope of eternal life through Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Marlon’s work here on earth is done, and we trust that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). He is now at peace.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Apple Hill Cemetery, in Ward. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com