Russell E. “Buddy” Prescott, Jr., 85, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 4 PM, Saturday, March 23, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Greg Pope and the Rev. Brent Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fitzgerald. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Friday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald. The body will also lie in state one hour prior to the services in the sanctuary on Saturday.
Mr. Prescott was born September 15, 1938, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Russell E. & Aubrey Swords Prescott. He was a graduate of Fitzgerald High School and earned his degree in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia in 1960. He worked as a sales representative in pharmaceuticals and started his career at Chichester’s in Macon. In 1966, Mr. Prescott returned to Fitzgerald, purchasing Evans Drug Store, and establishing Prescott’s Pharmacy. For 26 years, he owned and operated his pharmacy on both sides of the corner of South Main and Central Avenue. In 1992, he joined Rite Aid and also worked for Wal-Mart. Mr. Prescott finished his career doing fill-in work for Colony Discount Drugs and other surrounding community pharmacies. He was very aware of the trust his patients placed in him and compassionately cared for the healthcare needs of generations of families in Ben Hill County. He enjoyed farming, camping, hunting and dove shoots. Mr. Prescott loved animals, especially dogs, and brought a humanity to caring for every stray he encountered. He was a proud member of the NRA. He also enjoyed restoring antique cars, trucks, and tractors. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir.
He is survived by his children: Dona Lott of Fitzgerald, Teresa Benson & Tommy of Ocilla, and Russell E. “Rusty” Prescott, III & Rachel of Spartanburg, South Carolina; grandchildren: Candice Lott, Keith Lott, Jr. & Rachel, Chad Lott & Lilly, Haley Benson, Cody Benson, Meagan Prescott, Andrew Prescott, Emma Prescott, Lucas Prescott, and John Prescott; great-grandchildren, C.J. Lott and Delia McCarty; siblings: Cecilia P. Greene & Dr. Edgar Greene of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Donna P. Sheffield & Tony of Fitzgerald, and Catharine P. Gunby & Gregg of Fitzgerald; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Fay Hardy Prescott; a son-in-law, Keith Lott; two great-grandchildren: Denver Lott and Demi Rose Lott; as well as his canine companion, Little Man.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Humane Society, 106 Lions Park Road, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2402 North Tift Avenue, Suite 102, Tifton, GA 31794, or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.