Service in ministryPreaching the GospelFullfiling the Great Commission Go ye therefore, and teach all nations - Matthew 28:19 Apostle Charlie L. Pruitt was born July 29, 1943 in Stanton Tennessee to James and Lonnie Jo (McFarland) Pruitt. In 1973, Apostle Pruitt along with his wife of over 40 years, Evangelist Dr. Dorothy J., founded and pastored what is now known as Gods Worship Center Church of Lansing, Michigan where he served for over 35 years. All said, Apostle Pruitt shared the Gospel of Christ in the ministry he and Evangelist Pruitt founded and in the community. The Gods Worship Center ministry branched off with local parishes in Louisville, KY and Brownsville, TN. He presided as Bishop of the Universal Fellowshipping Churches beginning in 2001 until the time of his passing. Professional, Education, and Military Work I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day - John 9:4 Apostle Pruitt, was employed with the Department of Corrections, with 12 of those years as an Institutional Chaplin in both the Ionia and Jackson communities. There he was charged with the spiritual leadership of nearly 1500 inmates. At the time of his employment with the Department, he was the first paid African-American Chaplain in the former Parnall Correctional Facility of Jackson, MI and in Ionia, MI and retiring in 1999. His dedication in ministry complimented his personal accomplishments as well. After graduating high school from Carver High in Brownsville, TN, Apostle Pruitt went on to earn three college degrees; a Bachelor of Theology (Simmons College of Louisville, Kentucky); a Master of Theology and Doctorate of Divinity (both, Summit Bible College, Bakersfield, California). Apostle Pruitt served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1966-1969. He served in Vietnam earning several commendations including the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was later honorably discharged from the Army. A legacy of service, giving, and dedication We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. " 2 Corinthians 5:8 He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of over 40 years Evangelist Dr. Dorothy J. Pruitt; his four sons: Darrell, (Vonda) Musican; Bishop Cedric (Lakeka); Pastor Joseph (Toya); and Elder Markus, author recording artist and musician, all of Lansing; six grandsons, two granddaughters; his siblings, Evangelist Nancy Pruitt, Minister Winnie L. Taylor, Pastor Dorothy L. Phillips, Ms. Lavern Pruitt, and John A. Pruitt all from Tennessee. And two sister-in-laws: Juanita Pruitt of Tennessee and Idonia Pruitt of Kentucky. And many, many special nieces, nephews, cousins of whom many are pastors and ministers. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lonnie J. (McFarland) Pruitt. Also preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers. Apostle Dr. Charlie Pruitt will lie in repose on Thursday June 13, 5-8 pm with the family hour from 7-8 pm at Riley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 14, 11 am at New Mt. Calvary Baptist, 3800 Miller Rd. Lansing, MI 48910