Robert Smith Fruitt

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, and her partner Daniel Gay, 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. Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.

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