In loving memory of Charles Pruitt

7/16/1940 - 12/20/2017

Location: Hamilton, Ohio

Visits: 14,387

Service Information:
Wednesday January 3, 2018
11am Visitation 12pm Service
St.Mark AME Zion Church
9208 Daly Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231

When I close my eyes and think about my Dad's life, this is what I see.

Not until I was married and had my own family did I come to really understand my father's life as it had been before I was born and the years after when his life became making sure we had the best life he could give my sister, brother and myself.

My Dad was a only child born to Melvin & Bertha Pruitt. When my Mom & Dad were divorced my Dad became a single father of 3 children. He worked two jobs, as a security guard and a boat mechanic. Eventually he started his own business, Charlie's Boat Service. My Dad was a hard working man that everyone respected and loved. It wasn't only his skills and passion of boats that made his clients trust and respect him, it was his humble and kind spirit as well.

I can remember going boating with my Dad and EVERY boater on the water knew him by name "Charlie". I thought "WOW" how cool is that everybody knows MY DAD! But OMG! if you asked my Dad anything bout a boat, you would be there for hours listening to his response, LOL! That's how much he loved boats.

But as a black man repairing boats in the East End of Cincinnati he came across some adversaries which again showed me my Dad's character as a man. As his daughter, I watched him deal with racism. He never gave up on his dreams and his determination to have a successful business inspired me.

I can remember on my 21st birthday, my Dad putting on his favorite Captain's hat and taking all my friends out on his boat to celebrate my birthday.

I can also remember, my Dad sitting in the stands at my High School, watching me cheer. He never missed a game. Now, whose Dad comes to a High School Basketball game, just to support his daughter as a cheerleader? Mine!

His other enjoyment was bowling. He bowled several nights a week, in several different leagues, where he sponsored a team called "Charlie's Boat Service".

So it's safe to say My Dad's life was our lives. Making sure we were happy, safe and loved.

When my Dad married JoAnn his life became fulfilled in a different way. The fulfillment he gave us for so many years, was now being given back to him with her love, patience, and commitment. My Dad's life was as he wanted it to be, it was fulfilled with his Mom & Dads love and support until they passed, his children and the love of his wife JoAnn, or should I say Jo, because that's what Daddy called her.

So when I close my eyes and think of my Dad's life, I think of a man who was unselfish, with a heart big enough to share with everyone. Knowing that he touched so many lives and made me the women I am today, brings me Peace!

Love you always Daddy,
Char Fletcher





Professional Services Entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home