Rev. Derell Pruette

Rev. Derell Pruette, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend peacefully passed away on February 6, 2019.

Born on June 26, 1942 in Vale, Rev. Pruette is a graduate of the Fred T. Foard High School Class of 1960, and attended Gardner Webb College where he studied theology and Greek. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mrs. Faye Pruette, of Forest City. He is survived by one son, Steven Pruette of Rutherfordton, two daughters and two son-in-laws, Darla and John Henderson of Forest City, Faith and Chad Bailey of Rutherfordton, six grandchildren. Derell is also survived by sisters Shirley Pruette of Hickory, and Clara Pruette of Rutherford College, brother Calvin Pruette of Lincolnton, his identical twin brother Carrell Pruette of Vale, 4 brother-in-laws, 2 sister-in-laws, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Horace and Mary Ethel Pruette, one brother Grady Pruette, and three sisters Lona Willis, Dosha Houser, and Alta Lail.

Rev. Pruette was well-known in this community for his ministry, his building work, and extensive charitable outreach. After college, he started supplying for Corinth Baptist Church. He then served as a minister across western North Carolina at Beulah Baptist Church, Welcome Home Baptist Church, and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Derell is well known for his loving friendship, never meeting a stranger, his boundless energy, work ethic, and for his charity, giving to others before himself. He will be missed by many in our community, but most especially by his treasured grandchildren.

The family held a service at Crowes Mortuary and Chapel. A second brief receiving friends was held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Vale, followed immediately by graveside memorial. Flowers may be sent to Crowes Mortuary, 118 College Avenue, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County or to the Henderson Care Center, 125 Henderson Circle, Forest City, NC 28043 Attention: The Reverend Derell Pruette Bible Fund.

Crowe's Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.