In a town where community ties run deep, Mineola Masonic Lodge #502 honored one of its most dedicated neighbors this week, presenting the Community Builders Award to longtime resident Larry Pruitt.

The evening gathering, held March 23, brought together friends, family, and fellow volunteers to celebrate a man widely described as humble, steady, and quietly impactful. After an opening prayer, lodge members reflected on both the purpose of the award and the man receiving it.

The Community Builders Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Mineola and the surrounding Wood County area. According to those in attendance, Pruitt’s name quickly rose to the top.

Introduced by fellow member Ralph Hooten, Pruitt’s story unfolded through a record of service, leadership, and a consistent willingness to step in where help is needed. From his early involvement with local veterans’ groups to his leadership in a scholarship foundation, Pruitt has left a mark across multiple corners of the community.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Pruitt served four years on active duty before continuing his commitment for 17 years in the reserves. His military career set the tone for a lifetime of service, discipline, and mentorship—qualities that would later define his work in civilian life. After his service, he spent nearly three decades working in the VA hospital system, where he regularly trained and guided younger technicians.

He has played a key role in overseeing the Maxcine Nash Scholarship Corporation, which supports local students—work that requires not only dedication but initiative. When participation challenges threatened the program’s future, Pruitt helped reorganize it into a broader community-based organization, ensuring its survival and growth.

Beyond that, his service stretches into everyday acts. At his church, New Hope Baptist Church, he volunteers regularly — helping with meals, mentoring youth, and ensuring leftover food is shared with those in need. He has also remained active in local schools, substitute teaching for more than a decade at both Mineola and Alba-Golden.

Throughout the evening, attendees emphasized that Pruitt’s impact extends beyond formal roles, pointing to his generosity, reliability, and long-standing relationships in the community. Neighbors and fellow volunteers described a man who has quietly supported others for decades.

His wife, Ann, is supportive of Pruitt’s work, encouraging him to keep making a difference. She continues to work locally at Minnie’s Cut and Curl, and together the couple has built a life centered on service and connection.

Even as the praise mounted, Pruitt kept his remarks brief and grounded. His advice was simple: “Get involved with whatever you see needs to be done… Find something that you’re passionate about.”

Throughout the evening, one theme remained constant: no one builds a community alone. In a town proud of its history and character, the night served as a reminder that community isn’t just preserved—it’s built, day by day, by people like Larry Pruitt.