Dennis Ray Pruitt

Dennis Pruitt entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 7:56am in Fresno, CA. Dennis was born March 27, 1959 with his twin, Denise Pruitt, in Hanford, CA to William Leon Pruitt and Leila Maudell Pruitt; He moved to Porterville State Hospital in Porterville, CA at the age of 3.

Dennis was blind and unable to speak. He resided at Porterville State Hospital until October 1, 2008. He changed residence to Charlotte’s Place, Inc. in Fresno, CA, an adult residential group home for the blind and disabled. Dennis was under the care of Charlotte Gray, RN, and her husband, Eugene Gray. Dennis was loved by all the staff. He was especially loved by his sister-in-law, Yolanda Duncan, Lucy Fletcher, and Rosalyn Warren. Dennis enjoyed all the other clients also.

Dennis received his schooling from Porterville State Facility and United Cerebral Palsy of Fresno. Dennis was very active in the Special Olympics for many years. He received several awards for long distance walking. Dennis worked in Porterville in packing. He enjoyed eating, music, and interacting with family, friends and his staff.

Dennis underwent several surgeries and near-death experiences, but he was a fighter and loved life.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents William Leon Pruitt and Leila Maudell Pruitt; his siblings Roy Pruitt, Versie Scott, Barbara Rhodes, William Pruitt, Jr., Michael Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt, Beverly Collins and Mark Pruitt.

Dennis leaves to cherish his memory his siblings; Celeste Brame of Northridge, CA, Manuel (Delilia) Pruitt of Eufaula, OK, Doyle (Jean) Pruitt of Oakland, CA, Marsha Pruitt of Lake Oswego, OR, Denise (Timothy) Townley, Gregory (Dyna) Pruitt of Seattle, WA, John Duncan of Pacific Grove, CA, George (Georgia) Duncan of Sacramento, CA, Ralph (Yolanda) Duncan of Hanford, CA, Raymond (Mahesia) Duncan of San Diego CA; his aunts: Mildred Hadley of Long Beach, CA; Marjory Hill of Pacifica, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Dennis will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to: Central Valley Regional Center – Nicole Bloomfield, Social Worker, Fresno, CA; United Cerebral Palsy – The Nest Sam, Fresno, CA; Porterville State Hospital, Porterville, CA; Charlotte’s Place – Charlotte and Eugene Gray, Fresno, CA; Fresno Rehabilitation Center, Fresno, CA and People’s Funeral Chapel, Hanford, CA.