Samuel Woolard Pruyne, 81, of Pinellas Park and Largo, FL, died Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 6:22 PM.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Dorothea "Thea" Pruyne; his daughter, Belinda Pruyne; his son, Jeffrey H. Pruyne, Sr.; brother, James W., and wife Gwen Pruyne; two grandsons, Jeffrey H Pruyne, Jr. and Theodore A. Pruyne; and beloved nieces, nephews, many adopted children and close friends.
In his early years, Sam was born and raised in Ponca City, OK where he enjoyed an active life involved in Boy Scouts, High School Band, and Tennis Championships, both locally and statewide. During his college years, he attended Junior College for his Associate Degree, Oklahoma University for his Bachelors, and did graduate work at Oklahoma State University. He enjoyed the pursuit of Oklahoma Sooners pride by attending over 25 Orange Bowl games when the Sooners played.
He proudly served in the United States Army protecting his country’s freedom. His career spanned 36 years with IBM, 10 years with AT&T Paradine, and 5 years with Hypercom. During his tenure at IBM, he sold the first automated airline reservations system, helped establish the foundation for the PC world, and much more. Leading and changing the world in many positive ways.
He will be remember for his humor, his words of wisdom, his love of life, and his commitment to all those around him. As the words of remembrance are shared, his influence on every person he met was so positive, motivating, and empowering.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 28, 2014 at 2 PM at Good Samaritan Church, 6085 Park Blvd. North, Pinellas Park, Florida 33781. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family has asked that a donation be made to one of two organizations in honor of Sam Pruyne. Good Samaritan Church, Food Pantry (Make the check out to Good Samaritan Church and in the memo put in Honor of Sam Pruyne for the Food Pantry). ALTERNATIVELY, Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, Florida 33760 http://thehospice.org. Make the check out to Suncoast Hospice Foundation and in the memo put in Honor of Sam Pruyne.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Thea and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thea and family,
Sam was truly a remarkable man. He wise words and humor will stay with us always. We will miss him deeply, but know he is watching down on us, smiling, and no longer in pain. If you need anything at all, remember we are just a phone away! Love, Carol & Eddie
Dear Thea, Belinda and Jeff, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you all and loved Sam very much. You are all family to me.
To Aunt Dorthea and Belinda, Jeff, and the rest of the Pruyne family. We are praying for you all. We will miss Uncle Sam but we also will have good memories.
We love you all, Becky, Masa,Jessy,Jeff.
To Aunt Dorthea and Belinda, Jeff, and the rest of the Pruyne family. We are praying for you all. We will miss Uncle Sam but we also will have good memories.
We love you all, Becky, Masa,Jessy,Jeff.
We’ll miss you Sam. I know you are smiling down on us and continuing to bring us strength even from up there. xoxo kk
I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to know this great man. Often led by Thea, our adventures started in Largo, took a detour to Arizona, and returned to Florida. The memories, laughs, debates, and conversations we’ve had are treasures. Love, peace, and light
Sending lots of love to you at this time. Will remember fondly the days by the pool with your Mom and Dad – he was truly such a nice man! xo, The Fossi Family
Dear Dorthea,Belinda and Jeff, My deepest sympathy to you all. Sam was a wonderful friend and advisor to our family over the years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all..Sam will be truly missed. Judy
Thea, sorry to hear of Sams passing. Wish I was there to spend quality time with you. You know I love you lady. Ev
I am so sorry for your loss, Sam was a great guy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love and hugs Wanda
Dear Thea, Belinda and Jeff. My sympathy to you all.Sam was a nice man.Dick is in heaven greeting Sam.We had some good times in Ridgefield. My best to you all. Naomi Emmons and Family.
i worked with sam at paradyne and he was such a gentleman always with a smile for all of us in human resources. condolences to the family.
Dorothea and Family,
My belated condolences to you and your family. I was deeply saddened to find out about Sam’s passing. Unfortunately, I didn’t find out until after his “Celebration of Life” or I would have definitely been there. I am really sorry I missed it.
He and I worked together at both Paradyne and Hypercom and at each I treasured his wisdom and counsel. He was truly a friend to all and a great attribute to our businesses.
He’ll be sorely missed!
Worked with Sam and so sorry.
Sam was a good man
Crazy Panda!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk-iCDeyE7U