Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

On Friday, June 10, 2016, Coach Jerome David Fruit of Oak Hill, WV left this world only to be remembered by those who loved him. Born on March 3, 1954 in Lanark, WV, Jerome was the son of the late Lacy "Bud" Fruit and Nannie Fruit.

He graduated from Collins High School in 1972 and Glenville State College in 1976, where he obtained his degree in education and held many records including the WVIAC Interception Record and was co-recipient of the Montrose Award. He was inducted in the Athletics Hall of Fame at Oak Hill High School in 1984 and again at Glenville State College in 2006.

Jerome started his career as a school teacher in 1977 at Oak Hill High School and ended his career in 2006 at Collins Middle School.

He is mourned by eight children, Brian (Leah) Wallace of Milton WV, Michael Wallace of Huntington, WV, Cornelius Jackson of Cleveland, OH, Benitez Jackson and William Jackson, both of Oak Hill, WV, Tia (Jaysen) Lapsley and Natalie Jackson, both of Huntington, WV and Dreama Martin of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Lacy Fruit; 17 grandchildren; 3 nieces; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Jerome was a great teacher, mentor, coach, and friend who taught countless lifelong lessons to all he encountered. He leaves a legacy of love, strength, and perseverance and he will be forever cherished, respected, and missed.

Funeral service will be 12:00 P.M., Saturday, June 18, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Harlem Heights, 416 Broadway Avenue, Oak Hill, WV with Rev. William Fruit and Pastor Charles Blackman officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Friends may call two hours prior to service at the church.

Condolences may be emailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley, WV.