A Tribute to Mr. Pruneau

When a person dies, it sends ripples like an earthquake. Some people are at the epicenter while others barely feel a tremor. Unfortunately for our small community, the ripples of Mr. Charles Pruneau’s death were felt far and wide as any good teacher’s influence has an immeasurable reach in the world, but Mr. Pruneau was so much more than just an educator.

Mr. Charles Ivan Pruneau died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, October 22, 2024, with his daughter and family by his side.

He was born in St. Louis, MO on February 19, 1939, to Ivan and Leona Pruneau. He graduated from Murray State University in 1961 and married (Donna M.) that summer. He began his teaching career in Missouri and came to McKenzie in 1965 as the high school and middle school band director. Mr. Pruneau was also the Minister of Music for First Baptist Church in McKenzie in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He officially retired from teaching in 2000, but 1998 was his last year as a high school band director. He continued to participate and direct church choirs and lead Bible studies, well into his retirement years.

Mr. Pruneau served on the McKenzie City Council from November 2012 until May 2024.

After some coaxing, he decided to move to South Carolina and live with his daughter and son-in-law and enjoy being “Paw Paw” 100% of the time. Mr. Pruneau considered himself a lifelong educator. His innate ability to connect and to educate was the result of his patience and passion for encouraging individual growth in all his students. He loved the generational connections he had with many of his students and their families and always considered McKenzie his earthly home.

Joel Washburn
Mr. Pruneau loved and cared for his student musicians at McKenzie. He was compassionate and interested in the students' learning music and representing their school in a positive way.

Mr. Pruneau was my neighbor, mentor, and friend. Under his leadership, I had the privilege of participating in both junior high and high school bands. He was also the music director at my childhood church. I can remember him encouraging the congregants to smile as they sang.

Most of all, he treated me as his son by taking me hunting and fishing and allowing me to work alongside him in the yard. It was the memories that we shared.

My brother, Jeff, and I loved the high school band. Jeff played a bass trombone, and I played a tenor trombone. Jeff's trombone was previously owned by Charles' sister in Missouri.

As this newspaper's former publisher, I occasionally published a tribute around Father's Day. I would include Mr. Pruneau and my father, James, as two of many men who supported me during my childhood years. And when my daughter, Brittany, entered junior high, she, too, had the privilege of having Mr. Pruneau as her band director.

Charles and Donna Pruneau were some of the best people in my life. I am exceedingly grateful for their memory and will cherish it for the rest of my life.

Bill McCain
Mr. Pruneau will always be fondly remembered by so many. He touched so many lives during his forty plus years of teaching music - band, chorus and general music. (Not to mention his civic leadership on McKenzie City Council).

He certainly had a huge impact on my life. When he and Donna moved to McKenzie they bought the house next to our house. My parents immediately became friends with them. I remember many visits between our homes. Michelle was born a few years later and I watched her grow up. (I thought I was her big brother. I was 8 years older than her).

I always looked up to Mr. Pruneau. He was also music director at our church.

I couldn’t wait to be old enough to join the band. (Probably not too different than a lot of kids in McKenzie). He taught us music and how to have fun playing music.

My senior year (1978) we had approximately 120 students in marching band. That was about 1/3 of the entire student body. THINK ABOUT THAT! That in itself is a testament to how he inspired so many young people. He inspired me to major in music in college and helped me in every way possible.

That was Mr. Pruneau. He always had a smile, some words of wisdom, and an occasional “dad” joke.

He was always a caring person. During these last few years, he always called to check on my Mother. They still talked frequently, and when he couldn’t reach her, he called me. That was the caring person he was.

I know he will be missed by many and most importantly, I know he is at home with Jesus Christ where there is no pain - no worries - no stress - JUST JOY!

My deepest sympathy for Michelle and family. Prayers for peace and comfort.

John Gramates
In 1976 my Father passed away. I received awesome support from many men in our little town. Many of us have great stories of Mr. Pruneau “Chuck” (as a few of us called to rile him up), but a few come to mind for me. One was meeting with him my junior year to discuss the upcoming season. I suggested we play and develop a halftime show around Emerson, Lake and Palmer, song Fanfare for the Common Man. Well I brought in an ELP album (yes, an album) and put it on the turntable and began to play it. Well to my surprise he said this would be a great song and said, ‘yes I have always enjoyed Copland.’ I looked at him and said, ‘you mean ELP’ and he looked at me with that smirk and smile and said, ‘Johnny, yes, ELP recorded and arranged this song but it was written by Aaron Copland in 1942.’ I then tried to explain why ELP's version was better and we just laughed. While we never put that particular song into our shows, it just showed to me the compassion he had for music and he always listened to the students. His mark on my life and many others are too many to mention. He is missed greatly. May God Bless and comfort his family and all of us. May his Memory Be Eternal.

Gramates also included a memorial note from the MHS Drumline of 1976-1980 that was provided at the memorial service along with a flower spray.

Psalm 92: 1-3: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp, and the melody of a lyre.

Ephesians 5:19: You and I are to praise God using our voices and our hearts; we are to be “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” when we worship.

Mr. Pruneau, you have reached the ULTIMATE goal for a band director. You will now be in front of the greatest choir and band of all time. God’s angelic band and choir of the saints. May God Bless you, welcome you and keep you in eternal life.

In John 12:24 God tells us, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

Mr. Pruneau (Chuck), the memories of good times and laughter are timeless. You have touched many and because of that our grain is plentiful. May God Bless you, our friend.

Sincerely, the MHS Band Drumline 1976-1980: Johnny Gramates, Randy Westbrooks, Kenny Franks, Ken Summers, Bobby Mosely, Timmy Locke, Gayle Amatangelo, Tina Barker, Derek Stewart, Richard Arnold, Mike Butler, Darrel Hillard, and Phillip Robertson.

Laurel Cary
Oh, if there were only words enough to tell all the children's lives he has touched.

I didn't have him for band. Ms. Donna [Charles Pruneau’s wife] pretty quickly pointed out as my piano teacher that I just didn't have a musical bone in my body.

In the 5th grade, he taught us all those songs about America. We got to sing during the PE exhibition that they used to do. He taught us Christmas carols we sang for the Christmas program at school. Later down the road he had my 4 kids for band, somehow the music ability decided to show up.

We were band parents all the way.. band chaperones at most games and almost every competition. Two kids in percussion, one clarinet and one flute. The oldest had him for 6 years, the next had him for 5 years, the two youngest only got 3 years and 2 years because we moved to the southern tip of the county. I'm not sure where the nickname Papa Smurf came in to play but it was one my girls took to heart. At some point in those years we gave him a stuffed papa smurf. When we moved he tried to get them to take it but they wanted him to keep it to remember the Cary kids by.

One of the funniest things I remember had nothing to do with band.

I worked in the HS cafeteria and one day he came in and was getting his tray. He asked what was for lunch and I told him. I don't remember what all we had that day but one of the entrees was a chicken sandwich. He was fussing about "chicken, chicken, chicken..." He took his tray and sat down at the table with some of the other teachers.

I was checking on the serving line to see if we needed to put any food out before the next bell... he got up and walked towards me still talking about the chicken. He put his hand up and coughed. When he did, all the little white feather looking things came out the other side of his hand towards me. He said, “we have got to do something different, we will all turn into chickens at this rate!” We both had a good laugh.

I will miss him... just knowing he is not among us anymore. Even though I never played an instrument in the band, he was one of my favorites because he treated everyone the same... and that smile when he was trying to be tough on someone, he would turn away so they couldn't see it. Mr Pruneau, you will be missed by so very many. Class of '76.

Ashley Brooks said, “Mr. Pruneau made us feel seen and encouraged when learning an instrument, marching in hot wool, knowing our left foot from our right foot was a struggle. He persisted to show us music was as important as any other subject. Beloved teacher!”

Jessica Barker said, “Hands down my absolute favorite teacher!!! There aren’t enough kind words I can say about him!!”

Cindy Trammell Kizer said, “Loved him so much. Will never forget band camp and the dreaded yard stick if your feet did not touch your knees when marching. He was friends with my parents for many years and mom and dad were band parents presidents serving tons of popcorn during the games, and chaperoning the school bus rides. Such patience when we hit the wrong notes. Lord have mercy how did he survive those learning years as we grew to know our instruments! And he could play each one of them! Great man and band director!!”

James Creasy said, “Had Mr. Pruneau every year I was in McKenzie High for Chorus and one year for a Music Appreciation extension class from UT Martin. Every time I saw him he stopped and spoke. He also had my brother and sister and both of my sons in choir and band. He will be missed and remembered as a gentleman and a friend and as someone who believed in our Lord Jesus Christ!!”

Magan Parker Lease said, “Rest in Peace Papa Smurf! The absolute best! I always looked forward to band class in Middle School. I had him the last few years he taught before Breeden took over. There will definitely be no other like Mr. Pruneau. Praying for his family!”

April Stricklin said, “Mr. Pruneau was one of my favorite teachers. There are two things that I will always remember. He taught me the reason you never assume anything. And what a vegamite sandwich was. Among many other things. He will truly be missed. Prayers for his family.”

Tyrone Johnson said, “So sad to hear this. My prayers and condolences to Michelle. He was one of my favorite teachers. He was passionate about teaching music, and us as his students. The world lost a great man.”

Monica Tegethoff Terry said, “Prayers for his family! He made such a positive impact on my life when I needed it, and truly was a great man. He will always be one of my favorites.”

Lana Hopper Wiggleton said, “Sympathy to his daughter Michelle and her family. I also enjoyed working with him for many years. Rest in Peace Charles.”

Gale Chandler Edwards said, “This will sadden the hearts of many! RIP Mr Pruneau, you were loved and admired by so many. Thankful you are healed and fully at peace with your Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Sandra Walker McMahen said, “So sorry. Sympathy to Michelle and family. I don't know if people remember that he also had a really beautiful voice.”

Margaret Cole Nutting said, “Great man and many memories. Prayers to Michelle and family.”

Laura Keeton said, “A wonderful person who will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to Michelle and his other family members.”

CL Palmer said, “May his memory be eternal! He was definitely a favorite. Band camp and traveling for football games, parades, and competitions were some of my favorite times in high school.”

Michael Pitts said, “So sad. Such a great man, teacher and friend. He taught us so many things.”

Martha Sue Mebane Peters said, “Praying for the family. I enjoyed working with him. A great music director!!”

Christy Creyssels said, “Prayers for his daughter. He will be missed by lots of his students as well. Go rest high Mr. Pruneau you were one of my favorite teachers.”

Michael Nienaber said, “So sad to hear this. This man was responsible for some of the best memories of my jr and high school years playing trumpet at his instruction.”

Nancy Riddick Carter said, “Oh, he was such a great teacher and band director. I can imagine him directing a heavenly band now.”

Mike Adams said, “So sorry to hear the news of the passing of Mr. Pruneau. His class was like the break in the day. He was a good and fair man. Prayers for peace and comfort for his family.”

Kim Callahan said, “May he rest in peace. What a wonderful musician and educator!”

Jackie Amatangelo Butler Bass said, “Oh my goodness such a great man and mentor, I am so saddened to hear this! My sincere condolences go out to Michelle and family.”

Sabrina Smithson Young said, “My favorite memories from high school are from band- loved every minute of it. Mr. Pruneau was one-of-kind. A great band director and all of us “band kids” love him!”

Billy Edwards said, “This man really made band fun. Quirky, Brutally honest, and so funny!”

Angie Hones said, “Love Mr. Pruneau, so many memories with him! My all time favorite is getting to march in the Disney parade my senior year (that was also his last year teaching).”

Brittany (Washburn) Martin
Mr. Pruneau left a legacy so ubiquitous that it is hard to know where the student ends and the teacher’s influence begins. Truly, his influence is sewn into the very fabric of each of those that were lucky to receive his instruction.

The news of his passing seemed to steal the air from the room. Mr. Pruneau was like a member of the family. He was a surrogate father to my dad, Joel.

He knew how to play almost every instrument and taught me how to play the flute. I was in band for six years, but I only had Mr. Pruneau for two years in middle school.

I knew I wanted to say something about how grateful I am for his influence in my life, but I can’t seem to find the words to tell you just how much his influence is part of my very being. Music is such a big part of my heart. Mr. Pruneau played a critical role in nurturing that love of music.

He also taught me the type of person I want to be. His lessons were not confined to music or even to the inside of a classroom.

He really saw people; like peering into your heart and soul, he knew exactly what you were capable of and expected you to live up to your potential.

There were times that I didn’t, and he let me know really quick that I was capable of so much more.

So in turn, I learned to demand more from myself; to aim higher than a mediocre effort; to push through obstacles and adversity because the greatest reward lies in knowing you gave 110% and left it all on the field …or wherever.

That was Mr. Pruneau in a nutshell. He was a lifelong teacher. He modeled what it means to live with intention.

Love him or hate him, he was exactly right and everything that we needed.

He was 100% about doing the right thing whether it was marching in step, playing on key, following the law, or being a true public servant.

For as long as I’ve known him, which is most of my life now, he was consistent, he wasn’t fake, he wasn’t hateful or vengeful, he was strict with love at the root of all of his effort. He understood the importance of embracing life, but never taking it too seriously.

I am the way I am because of teachers like Mr. Pruneau and I am so truly thankful for knowing him.

I love him for everything that he was to me and my family.

He meant a lot to so many and he will always be missed.

Mr. Pruneau is survived by his daughter Michelle (Rick) Doscher, grandsons Stephen (Jennifer) Pressley, Alex (Bryanna) Pressley, great-granddaughter Camille Pressley, and sister Donna L. Pruneau; ...and the many former students and friends that loved him.

Thank you, Mr. Pruneau.