George William Pruitt, 70, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020,at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Angels covered George at 1:35 a.m. on his last fishing trip, where met the Greatest Fisher of all men, Jesus, waiting on him overlooking blue crystal waters. George is now without pain. He gave cancer a strong fight for last three years.

His life began Oct. 29, 1949, the son of the late Harold Robert and Betty Jean Chancellor Pruitt Sr.

George's greatest joy in his 70 years on this earth was his love for the water. He achieved a successful career as a master-level river boat captain, working for Tennessee Valley Towing. It was his love for the American waterways that professionally took him up and down major rivers for 40-plus years. The love of water led him to be a fisherman, a hobby which he enjoyed with his dad and stepson, Robert, and other family members.

George's greatest catch was when he met and married Mildred "Millie" Millering on Aug. 8, 1999.

George was a motorcycle enthusiastic, which took him and Millie on many wonderful, memorable trips.

One cannot imagine the joy of seeing his family again and the face of Jesus. George is now with his dad, "Pop"; his mother; brother, Harold Robert Pruitt Jr.; sister, Mary Elizabeth "Suzie" Pruitt Tripp; a precious infant son; and two daughters, Kimberly and Stephanie.

He truly cherished his children.

George went fishing without his wife of 20 years, Mildred Pruitt; his oldest brother, Kenneth Ray (Rose Marie) Pruitt of Arnold, Missouri; sisters, Lisa Stewart of Commerce, Missouri, and Pam (Keith) Slattery of Cape Girardeau; stepson, Robert (Sue) Menees of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; seven nephews; and two nieces.

George has been characterized in many ways. However, none are more poignant than his love for his family to whom he gave unselfishly. He was a true friend with a heart of gold.

George's favorite part of his last days was meeting his friends at the Elks Lodge, listening to Fox News and President Donald Trump, and his TV shows.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Funeral Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial with be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Flowers will be accepted or donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.