| Graduation Year | Class of 1960 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 26, 1994 |
| About | TRIBUTE TO FRED PRUITT -- HON. BOB FILNER (Extension of Remarks - September 28, 1994) [Page: E1972] --- HON. BOB FILNER in the House of Representatives WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994 • Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor a great friend and community leader who passed away this week, Fred Pruitt. Fred always worked to make life better for everyone, believing that activism was better than lip service, progress better than the status quo. • In 1960, a young Fred Pruitt decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Black. He served two tours in Vietnam as a fire control technician and returned home to become a journeyman electrician. He also attended San Diego State University, while juggling the responsibilities of a young family. In 1973, Fred joined the Jaycees. He was named Jaycee of the Year in 1974 and finally president of the National City chapter, but more was ahead for Fred Pruitt. • In 1975, he and his wife Allie opened up the National City Home and Hardware Store. By 1977, he continued his service to his community on the board of directors of the National City Chamber of Commerce. He was later appointed the National City Civil Service Commission. In 1978, he was appointed to the National City Planning Commission and became chairman in 1982. • Fred was elected city council in National City in 1986, serving until 1990. During his tenure as city councilman, he also served as Vice Mayor of National City. For all of his achievements and contributions to his community, Fred and his wife Allie shared the Citizen of the Year Award for National City in 1991. • He was also recognized at the State level, winning the Outstanding Small Business Award for the State of California in 1993. Just recently, Fred and Allie flew to Oakland to receive the Minority/Supplier/Distributor of the Year Award for 1994 by the U.S. Department of Commerce. • But of all the awards he won, perhaps the most significant was the respect and admiration of his friends, family, and community for his unwavering commitment to hard work, community involvement, and a sincere belief that one person can make a difference. • In this lifetime, we all come across a small number of special people, those who touch our minds, hearts, and souls with their activism, optimism, and dedication to making everyone's life richer. Fred was one of those chosen few. My thoughts and prayers go out to Allie and his family, friends and the community. This world needs more people like Fred Pruitt; he will be sorely missed. |
