Charles Ray Fisher

.Chuck began his life as Charles Ray Fisher on March 11, 1946 in Bakersfield, CA. He was welcomed by parents Hubert Fisher and Mandy Dore, both of Arkansas, sister Dorothy and brother James. When he was two years old, he got his “forever” dad Robert Ruth.

Chuck attended many different elementary schools, including Tejon Elementary, because his dad worked on different farms and ranches up and down the Central Valley.

The joy of his high school and college days was the rock-and-roll band he and his friend, Reggie Arvizu, started called “The Bakersfield Surfers.” The band evolved into “The Dynamics” and finally, recorded an album for Columbia Records as “The Royal Coachmen.”

Not long after his graduation from East Bakersfield High in 1964, Uncle Sam chose him to be a U.S. Marine from 1965-1967, serving at Camp Lejeune, NC. During that time, he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Thomason. They had two beautiful daughters, Charlene and Darlene.

Chuck was always working in some way or another. From selling produce in the summer as a boy to working nights for the railroad in his twenties. He was also a salesman for different metals and fabrication companies. Finally, he worked many years for Camping World serving as a warehouse manager, advocating for a Bakersfield store. Once that goal was realized he managed the new store, eventually semi-retiring then returning to be the Goodwill Ambassador for the company.

On November 23, 1976 Chuck became a new creation when he asked Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. He was the same again. The focus of his life became Worship, the Word, and telling others about Jesus.

On October 1, 1977 he married Jean Henslee who would become his help-meet and best friend, next to Jesus, for 44 years. They also welcomed two children together: Rakel’ and Nathanael. Because of their ministry together, the Fishers Evangelistic Association was founded in December 1979. This ministry included radio programs, revivals, pastoring the Family of God Fellowship, ministering at the Rescue Mission and in prisons, and helping other people’s ministries and churches. His life became a desire to glorify God in all that he did, in and out of the church.

On October 24, 2021, Chuck’s Lord and Savior mercifully called him home after years of battling various health issues. These last few years were filled with travels and adventures with his sweetheart, partnering with various ministries, and being a part of The Garden Church family. He is survived by his wife Jean, sister Dorothy Fisher Merriman, children Charlene Fisher, Darlene Fisher Lovison, Rakel’ Fisher Sampson (Joseph), and Nathanael Fisher (Emily). He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren: Alyssa, Atticus, Tyler, Kaylee, Elizabeth, and Amanda along with many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 19th at 10:00 am at The Garden Church (900 22nd St, Bakersfield, CA 93301). The Viewing will be on Thursday, November 18th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park (9101 Kern Canyon Road Bakersfield, CA 93306).