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Robert Fruitt Obituary
March 5, 1976 - September 19, 2011
Clayton
Robert Smith Fruitt, 35, of Clayton NC, died suddenly as the result of an accident on September 19, 2011. He was born on March 5, 1976 in Chapel Hill, NC, to his parents, Jerry Fruitt and Jane Bergman Fruitt.
Robert was a 1995 graduate of Leesville Road High School and attended Cape Fear Community College. He was the owner and operator of 'Olde Raleigh Taxidermy' in Clayton. Robert was a talented taxidermist and was well recognized for his artistry and professionalism throughout North Carolina, earning him many awards. He had an extreme love and passion for hunting and fishing, but it was deer hunting that gave him the greatest joy. The only thing more important to him was his family, especially his wife of nearly six years, Caroline. He was the nicest person you would ever meet and had an incredible sense of humor. Robert never met a stranger and will be missed by all who knew him.
Robert is survived by his wife, Caroline Walker Fruitt, of Clayton; mother, Jane Fruitt, of Clayton; brother, John Fruitt, of Wilmington; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stuart and Beth Walker, of Raleigh; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Amy and Ethan Fleisher, of Wake Forest; nephew, John Fleischer; his faithful dogs, Bo, McGee, and Tucker; and his many, many wonderful friends. Robert was predeceased by his father, Jerry Fruitt and his sister Emily Fruitt.
The family will have a visitation gathering to celebrate Robert's life, on Thursday evening September 22, 2011 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Triangle Down Syndrome Network, PO Box 37305, Raleigh, NC 27627.
Condolences and stories can be shared at www.MitchellatRMP.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fruitt
Joe Fuller
November 3, 2011
Robert will be truely missed but I am glad to have so many reminders hanging on my wall or sitting on my table of Robert. I will hate not be able to bother him any more while he was working out in the shop.. He was one class act that will be hard to replace.
Mark/Delora Benfield
September 25, 2011
Sorry to hear of your loss! It was an honor to have known him and have judged his work as a taxidermist! He will missed. Mark Benfield and Delora
Chris, Rhonda, and Jacob Elliott
September 24, 2011
If you knew him, you loved him! You can't compare him to anyone else, because he is'nt like anyone else. He has his own ways and is hardheaded enough to stick to them no matter what anybody would say or think. Thats one of the reasons I love him so much. My memories of him will never be far away. I feel blessed and honored to have known him past 23 years and he will always be a part of my familys life. We love you and will miss you.
Paula Bennett
September 23, 2011
Caroline,
I am so sorry to hear about Robert. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.Please call me if you need anything. 919-553-7304
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Joann Finazzo
September 23, 2011
Caroline,
I heard of your loss today while at work and wanted to extend my sympathy out to you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I f you need a freind I'm here for you 919-524-7769.
Joann Finazzo
Nicky Creech
September 23, 2011
Caroline, I am so sorry for your loss of your husband. I always enjoyed talking about him with you and seeing how your face just glowed with just a mention of his name. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Sarah Naftolin
September 23, 2011
John,
Our parents were friends years ago. My mom is Janet and my step dad was Tom Austin. We use to come hang out with you guys at Lake Anne. We made several trips to your beach house in Pine Knoll Shores as well. I am so sorry for your loss! I lost my brother Max in 05' in an automobile accident. I want you to know that I am here if you need a friend. I know and understand your loss. Please feel free to call me! 9198448644.
Love,
Sarah Gardner Naftolin
Sarah Gardner-Naftolin
September 23, 2011
I knew Robert and his family when he was little. We would take family trips to Pine Knoll Shores and have cookouts at his home at Lake Ann. I am so sad to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Sarah Gardner Naftolin
Paul Brownie
September 23, 2011
John
Prayers and good wishes to you and your family throughout this difficult time.
gary johnson
September 23, 2011
dear caroline,
gary and I are so sad to hear about the loss of rob. he was a kind, sweet person who josh looked up to. all of our hearts are breaking for you and your family. you are in our thoughts and prayers. gary and kathy johnson
matt cairns
September 23, 2011
John, i am so sorry to hear this news. my prayers and thoughts go out to you. my sister and i have many great memories of the fruitt boys from those lake anne summers.
Cindy Martin
September 23, 2011
Caroline,
Ken and I were shocked when we heard of Robert's death. He was such a kind person. We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Cindy, Ken and Austin Martin
Durema Hollifield
September 22, 2011
Caroline, I was so saddened to read of Roberts death this evening in the paper. Definately so young. I just wanted to let you know I care and my heart aches and feels your loss. I have missed you at Coach and thought of you often. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers especially in the upcoming days and months. You are a special young lady. I am sure you will feel lost without your love..Take care and know you are covered in prayer and supernatural strenght that only Our Heavenly Father can give. Blessings to you and your family.
Michelle Stephens
September 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 22, 2011
We are so sorry about your loss.
Melissa Suits Gates
September 22, 2011
Thinking and praying for you all.
Courtney Allen
September 22, 2011
John,
I am so saddened of Robert's passing. Like Karen, I babysat you guys in Lake Anne. As a matter of fact every time I get a chance to make chocolate snow cream I think of you two! I am so sorry and send condolences to you and your family.
Don Routh
September 22, 2011
You have my love and prayers in this difficult time. Don Routh Ragsdale 64
September 22, 2011
Dear Caroline and family, I'm so so sorry to hear of the loss of Robert. He was one of the best taxidemists I have ever known. I was truly blessed to have known him, he always shared his knowledge and any last minute supplies I might have needed. There will be no one that can take his place in this business. Please accept my prayers for your family,, Diane Raver Braswell
Glenn Beauman
September 22, 2011
Caroline, I am so sad for your loss. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you through these difficult times.
Stratford Donnell
September 22, 2011
John, as you know we go way back to Lake Anne with your brother. We have many great memories in the neighborhood.I'm sorry for the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Caroline. We know Robert will run wild with the Great Spirit above.
Sue Booth
September 22, 2011
Caroline and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Robert's tragic accident. He has been a dear friend, a part of our family . . . like a brother to Stephen and Phillip. We mourn his loss, celebrate his life, and will keep his memory in our hearts and minds forever. May God bless each of you and ease your pain during this time of sorrow. God bless you, Sue
devorra gilbert
September 22, 2011
my heart and prayers goes out to the family's robert.
Brittany Renn
September 22, 2011
Fourteen years ago, Robert Fruitt began working with my dad, Mike Renn. He was a great asset to the taxidermy world and my dad's life. My family and I have many memories of him that will stay close to our hearts. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.
Robert-I will always remember your great sense of humor and smile. The Surry Community College Taxidermy Conventions will never be the same without you!
Joye Groff
September 22, 2011
Caroline, My heart and prayers go out to you for this untimely and tragic loss. I remember when you and Jennifer lived on Two Courts as teens and visited us frequently. I didn't know Robert, but he must have been a wonderful person.
Hurley Raynor
September 22, 2011
Robert was one of those people who would brighten your day whether he meant to or not. He was quick with a funny comment and could change the words to any song on the fly on the radio that would make you bust out laughing. He was always upbeat and positive even when he was stressed and as we all know he was one of the best outdoorsman that we have ever known. He was as genuine and gentle as any man could be. I valued our friendship greatly and I will miss him more than I can put into words. Caroline, John, Jane and Dan my heart goes out to you along with my prayers and I hope you can find peace with this devastating loss. God bless
J G
September 22, 2011
The loss of a dear loved one is never easy, may you remember the many special times you had and may the God of all comfort give your family peace at this time.
September 22, 2011
he loss of a loved one can truly bring us a pain unlike any other we've experienced. The Bible, however, gives us a sure hope and comfort that will son come to fruition. Isaiah foretells a time when "no resident will say 'I am sick'" and when "death will be swallowed up forever." What a grand prospect that will surely bring peace and relief to mankind!
September 22, 2011
Please know that my prayers are with you and the family. I feel your pain as well. Jane, I am so sorry and wish I could be with you so we could comfort each other. But know Iam with you and the family. The power of God's love will carry you through.
Dear Robert,please let Adam know how much his Mother loves him and you two watch over us . Love to all
Nancy
Barry and Sandy Moore Howe
September 21, 2011
Caroline, Jane and Dan,
We are so saddened by your sudden loss of Robert. He had so much talent and brought happiness to those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Parrish , New Life Taxidermy
September 21, 2011
Robert was one of the most talented all around taxidermists I ever met. Whether it was a deer, fish, bird, or other animal, Robert always did a beautiful job. I always enjoyed talking to him at the conventions because he was such a friendly person. He will truly be missed in the taxidermy community.
Ed Shearin
September 21, 2011
Jane, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I'm sending you a hug from afar. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Scotty Gould
September 21, 2011
The first time I met Robert he was bass fishing at Drew Honeycutt's backyard pond in Raleigh. I remember he was using a new "wacky minnow" in pearl white color which had a unique side-to-side action. Robert must have caught 9 bass to my one, in less than an hour. Afterwards, he was happy and excited to share his knowledge and fishing secrets w/ me - which is how I best remember his character, a giving and wonderful person. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing and would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to his family. Sincerely, Scotty Gould
Jennifer Shiel
September 21, 2011
Robert...you were such a kind person..you will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Bob Davis
September 21, 2011
Thinking of you and your family.
Bob Davis ASPIRE Rocky Mount
Annette Everett
September 21, 2011
Jane and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Jennifer Shiel
September 21, 2011
Caroline and Family,
Praying for you and your family in your time of need. May you find comfort in God during this difficult time.
Jim & Nell Murphy
September 21, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences. Robert touched our lives in a most memorable way. His life as a part of our family will always be remembered.
Fiquet Swain
September 21, 2011
Praying for you & your family, Caroline. I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Nancy Tyler
September 21, 2011
Caroline, John, Jane and Dan...my prayers are with you. Robert, you are in my heart. I will miss you everyday.
Raziya Fatteh
September 21, 2011
Jane and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your beloved Robert. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen
September 21, 2011
I knew Robert when he was a little guy growing up in Lake Anne; used to babysit him. I have not seen him in years but still so sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Steve and Lea Cosentino
September 21, 2011
Caroline and family, Cos and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Robert was such a caring and thoughtful person, and most of all a great friend. He will be greatly missed by so many. Love, Cos and Lea
Brad Taylor
September 20, 2011
I've know Robert since we lived beside him and some other guys while in college at State. Great guy and an an awesome taxidermist. While I hadn't talked to him in a couple of years, I was truly saddened when a friend passed along the news. Prayers sent to his family, friends and all of those involved.
John Cranford
September 20, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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