Benjamin Franklin Pruitt Jr. (Age 76)
Memorial service info
Benjamin Franklin Pruitt, Jr.
July 6, 1948 – April 29, 2025
Benjamin Franklin Pruitt, Jr., 76, of Spotsylvania, VA, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2025, surrounded by love and family.
Born on July 6, 1948, in Washington, DC, Ben lived a life of deep service, devotion, and integrity. He served proudly with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, rising to the rank of Detective and earning multiple commendations for his exemplary work over two decades. After retiring from the force in 1989, he continued his commitment to public safety and community service as a Deputy Sheriff in McCormick, South Carolina, where he started and led a successful D.A.R.E. program that positively impacted countless young lives.
Upon returning to Fredericksburg, Virginia, Ben continued serving his community, working for the local school system until his final retirement in 2011. In the 1970s and early 1980s, he was a dedicated youth football and baseball coach with the Dale City Sports Club, where he mentored and inspired many young athletes. His love for community, fairness, and discipline left a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Family was always at the heart of Ben’s life. He was a devoted husband to the late Mary C. Pruitt, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years. He is survived by his loving children, John Wesley Pruitt and Tammy Lynn Odum; eight grandchildren: MSG Robert Johnson, MSG Aaron Johnson, SSG Benjamin Johnson, C-La Johnson, Amelia Lowery, CJ Johnson, Laurel Pruitt, and David Pruitt; and 11 cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved twin sister, Betty Burleson, and sister Ruth Wunsh.
Ben was a man of faith who loved the Lord and found joy in the simple and profound gifts of life—golf, hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. His strength, humility, humor, and dedication to others will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 102 Lake of the Woods Way, Locust Grove, VA 22508.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America at https://myasthenia.org.
The following memorial event is planned.
Celebration of Life
Thursday, May 08, 2025 from 11 am-1 pm
Lake of the Woods Clubhouse
102 Lake of the Woods Way
Locust Grove, Virginia, 22508
A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal.
Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened. First Sergeant E.D. Chinault apprehended the reptile, humorously dubbed “Rocky Bal-Boa,” and relocated it to nearby woods.
The courthouse remained open, and no injuries were reported during the unconventional eviction.
Woodbridge
Fatal crash in Dale City
A woman died following a two-car crash on Dale Boulevard in Prince William County.
The crash occurred at 6:57 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street. Investigators said the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic was heading east on Dale Boulevard and attempted to turn left toward Barksdale Street while the signal flashed amber. As the car turned across westbound lanes, it collided with a 2020 Honda Civic.
The passenger in the 2008 Honda, Evangelina Castro, 32, of Woodbridge, was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver, a 34-year-old Woodbridge man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 2020 Honda, a 23-year-old Woodbridge man, remained at the scene and was uninjured. Police say speed appears to have been a factor.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Prince William County Police.
StaffordÂ
Springfield man assaults deputy outside Stafford motel
Deputies were called to the Motel 6 on Richmond Highway around 9:36 p.m. for a report of a man sleeping on the cement outside. They found 28-year-old Jacob Jones curled in the fetal position, smelling of alcohol. Jones admitted to having “one or two drinks” before becoming combative and assaulting a deputy twice. The deputy was not injured.
Jones resisted during his transport to the magistrate and was charged with public intoxication, two counts of assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice. He is being held on a $10,000 secured bond.
Truck not stolen—just forgotten, say Stafford deputies
Deputies responded to a reported stolen truck on Laurel Drive at 4:13 p.m. May 1. The caller, who showed signs of intoxication, claimed his vehicle had been stolen.
Security footage later revealed the man had simply forgotten where he parked. The truck was found a short distance away. The man was charged with public intoxication and filing a false police report and held on a $1,000 secured bond.
iPad thief caught en route to court
At 9:10 a.m. May 1, a distributor at Sheetz on Wyche Road reported his iPad had been stolen. Surveillance footage helped identify a suspect who was later stopped on his way to court. The man admitted to the theft, and the iPad was recovered in nearby woods. He was charged with larceny and held without bond.
Three vehicles broken into in Stafford
Deputies responded to three separate larcenies on May 1:
Duff Park: A Ram truck’s window was broken and a wallet was stolen.
Sol to Soul Yoga: An Acura’s window was smashed and a gym bag was taken but later recovered nearby.
Meadows Farms Nursery: A Mercedes had its window shattered and a purse was stolen.
Investigations are ongoing.
Walmart employee drinks on the job, cited for shoplifting
At 10:40 a.m. on May 1, deputies responded to Walmart on Garrisonville Road, where staff reported an employee had opened a six-pack of beer in the breakroom and consumed it without paying. The employee was issued a summons for shoplifting.
Unknown suspect assaults man on Olympic Drive
At 1:22 a.m. May 1, a man reported being assaulted by a stranger on Olympic Drive. The victim sustained minor injuries. Deputies located the suspect, who was charged with assault and battery and held on a $5,000 secured bond.
Fugitive from Indiana turns himself in
A man wanted in Indiana for violating felony probation turned himself in at the Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building on May 1. He was charged as a fugitive from justice and is being held without bond.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is rolling out the welcome mat for May’s First Friday celebration, and the weather couldn’t be better. With sunshine, temperatures climbing into the upper 80s, and only a slight chance of evening showers east of I-95, it’s shaping up to be a prime night to enjoy art, culture, food, and drink in the heart of the city.
From 5 to 9 p.m., the streets will come alive with gallery openings, live music, and unique pop-up experiences. Thanks to the Sip & Stroll program, visitors 21 and up can carry beverages from participating restaurants and shops until 8:30 p.m. To make getting around easier, a free trolley shuttle will run throughout the event.
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Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The Manassas Park High School Theatre Department is bringing a delightfully spooky classic to life this week with performances of The Addams Family Musical. The show runs from May 1 through May 4 and promises an evening filled with laughter, eerie tunes, and all the charm of the famously offbeat Addams clan.
In a post on social media, Manassas Park City Public Schools invited the community to enjoy “a spooktacular night of laughter, music, and macabre fun,” encouraging folks to snag tickets before they disappear. The musical, based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, follows the family’s hilarious antics as daughter Wednesday falls in love with someone “normal.”
The performances showcase the talents of MPHS student actors, singers, and crew members who’ve worked hard to transform their school stage into the Addamses’ gothic world.
Tickets can be purchased online at this link.
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County is tackling two major traffic challenges — and it’s asking residents to weigh in while preparing to break ground on a major intersection upgrade.
The county is seeking public input on two of its most congested and crash-prone corridors: Garrisonville Road (VA 610) and Warrenton Road (US 17). Both routes have been flagged for safety and congestion concerns. The county plans to apply for state funding through the Virginia SMART SCALE program in 2026 to study each area under the PATHS (Program for Affordable Transportation Hotspot Solutions) program.
Drivers who use these roads are encouraged to complete brief online surveys by May 16. The feedback will help identify trouble spots—specific intersections or road segments—so planners can target the most pressing problems. More chances to give input will come this fall.
Meanwhile, a $30 million construction project will begin in late May 2025 to improve the Route 1 and Courthouse Road intersection. The project, part of Stafford’s larger $70 million investment in transportation, includes widening Route 1 to a four-lane divided highway, adding dedicated turn lanes at major intersections, and enhancing pedestrian access with sidewalks and crosswalks.
Stafford will host a public information meeting on the project Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center. Residents and business owners can view plans, ask questions, and meet the project team.
According to the county, the new turn lanes and upgraded signals should help move traffic more efficiently and reduce wait times, while the concrete median and better pedestrian access are expected to improve safety.
More details on the Route 1/Courthouse Road project are available at staffordcountyva.gov/route1courthouse.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Early voting is now underway in Virginia’s Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor, and one Northern Virginia candidate is making a bold stand on gambling.
Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef, one of five Democrats seeking the nomination, is campaigning hard against proposals to expand casino gambling in the state—particularly a push to build a casino in Tysons Corner. He argues that Virginia, which has operated with budget surpluses in recent years, doesn’t need gambling revenue to fund its government.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – City work crews have now removed more than 15 tons of debris from the drained canal running through Fredericksburg and made several key repairs to its aeration system, according to the latest update from city officials.
The city says cleanup efforts are expected to continue through Wednesday, after which the canal will be refilled. That process could take between three and five days using pumps, though rainfall may accelerate the timeline. A photo shared by the city government shows piles of debris lining the canal bed as part of the extensive restoration work.
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Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, "A Conversation with the Superintendent," featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from addressing school transportation issues to tackling equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.
Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford
Stafford County Public Schools has faced mounting criticism over its student transportation system. From late buses to no-shows, families voiced their frustration during connection sessions held by Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith earlier this year. In response, Smith is moving quickly. “We can’t wait another year,” he said. “The data showed our biggest bottleneck was at the elementary level. That’s where we had to start.”
