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Ruth Pruitt Harrison

January 23, 1943 — April 10, 2020

Ruth Pruitt Harrison

Ruth Pruitt Harrison, age 77, of Gallatin, TN, went to be with our Lord on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, in Gallatin, TN.

Ruth was born January 23, 1943, to the late Marshall and Helen Pruitt. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Mary Louise Smith (Oral) and Linda Ray Wilson.

She is survived by her loving husband for 46 years, John Wayne Harrison of Gallatin, TN; her beloved stepdaughter, Julie Brackenbury (Gregg) of Gallatin, TN; her cherished grandson, Ethan Brackenbury (Megan) of Gallatin, TN; loved brother-in-law, Tom Wilson (Margaret) of Gallatin, TN; and many loving cousins.

Ruth grew up a true farmer’s daughter along with her two sisters Mary Louise and Linda Ray. From a young age, the girls learned to love Bluegrass music and were taught to dance. The family attended square dances at the VFW Hall in Gallatin every Saturday night. At the young age of 15, Ruth was asked to join Ralph Sloan and the Tennessee Travelers to dance on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.

Ruth went on to graduate from Gallatin High School and began her work career in Nashville, TN.

Several years later, while attending the square dance with her family, Ruth was introduced to John Wayne Harrison. He played banjo for Lloyd McCormick’s Bluegrass band. The two were later married on June 1, 1973.

Ruth continued her business career as office manager and assistant warehouse manager for Republic Automotive in Nashville, TN for 32 years. After the company was sold and to be closer to her family, Ruth accepted a position as secretary to the guidance office at her alma matter, Gallatin High School where she retired.

Her love of Bluegrass music and dancing would remain a big part of Ruth’s life. Ruth was always by her husband’s side as he played music at shows, festivals and jamborees across the country with The McCormick Brothers, Sugar Ridge Bluegrass and The Boy’s from Kentucky. 

Ruth loved to travel, especially driving the old highways across the United States and spending summer vacations with her family and friends on the beach.

Ruth was very strong in her faith. She was a dedicated member of Community Church of Christ and Gallatin Church of Christ in Gallatin, TN, and Community Church in Hendersonville, TN. Ruth served in the FRIENDS Group, which was one of her most cherished ways to serve her church body. She volunteered at various schools and visited those who were sick or in the hospital.

Ruth loved her whole family unconditionally. But her grandson was her pride and joy. She always kept him close to her heart as she watched him grow into the man he is today. She also loved spending time with her little dog Rascal.

Ruth was a treasure to everyone she met. Her smile, her sense of humor, and her caring spirit – always putting others first. She was a devoted wife, a beloved mother and cherished grandmother.

A private burial will take place on Monday, April 13, at Sumner Memorial Gardens with Honorable Bill Sorrells presiding.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date after the public-gathering restrictions are lifted. Details will be posted on social media.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Ruth Harrison made payable to Grandpa’s Music, LLC, C/O Virginia Williams, 825 Bear Carr Road, Westmoreland, TN 37186, to keep the Spirit of Bluegrass and dancing alive for generations to come.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home, 202 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN, 37066, 615-461-7777 or visit www.andersonfuneralhome.org for more information.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Pruitt Harrison, please visit our flower store.

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