Brian Keith Caruthers

Brian Keith Caruthers triumphantly entered the Kingdom of Heaven August 1, 2024.

Cancer sucks.

Brian, 55, was born and raised in Charlotte. He had an active and happy childhood, the oldest of four boys. He attended Charlotte Public Schools and graduated from Ridge Vocational Technical School in Polk City, Florida in 1987. He spent his senior year living with his grandparents, Phyllis and James Caruthers in Florida, and shared fond memories of spending time with his half-sister, Aimee, during that time. After returning to Charlotte, Brian began his employment with Spartan Motors and dedicated 33 years of service building fire truck components in a variety of positions, most recently as an electrician. Over the years he developed close friendships with several of his coworkers.

Brian met his wife, Pam, on “Sweetest Day” in October 1996 and they married on May 31, 1997 (he immediately became the favorite Uncle of Stephanie, Amanda and Nathanael). Two years later their son, Joseph, was born. They attended Charlotte Assembly of God for many years. Brian felt strongly that ministering to men was important and he valued the connections he made with others through Ushering and Men’s Ministry at church.

He was a life-long learner, and encouraged and challenged those close to him to do the same. Reading “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge changed his life. Brian was an authentic person who often said, “What God says about you in Scripture is the only opinion about you that matters.”

An avid reader and writer, Brian enjoyed Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and John Eldredge. He also enjoyed Marvel and DC comics, time outdoors, fishing, and going to the shooting range. Above all, Brian loved being a Husband, Dad, Uncle, and Brother.
Brian enjoyed making people laugh, and he was always ready for a good debate. Topics of interest could be anything from Doctor Who to Marvel and DC Comics, podcasting, reading audio books, what “good 80’s music” meant to him (especially Huey Lewis and the News), shooting guns, writing his book, and bacon – it makes everything better. He was most passionate about his relationship with Jesus Christ. He became a Christian as a young adult and daily strived to grow closer to the Lord and live an authentic life. He desperately wanted everyone to know this: Jesus loves you, he died for you, and he has a plan for your life!

Brian was thoughtful, kind and generous, with a dry and often quirky sense of humor. He loved a good dad joke and catching people off guard. He loved animals, and had many pets over the years, with a special place in his heart for his dog, Woof (who was more like a roommate than a pet), and his good buddy, Max.

Brian is survived by his wife, Pamela; son, Joseph; brother, Chris and Stacey Caruthers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerritt and Kerry Raterink, Dorene and Mike Culp, Leslie and Greg Lidstone; Aunt Penny Saylor, Aunt Jody Laubhan; special nephews and nieces, Nathanael and Jenna, Stephanie and Javon, Amanda and Steve, and Tyler; dear friends, Mike and Sandi Rodgers, and Chad and Flor Ehresman; step-brothers, Jason Worden and Jesse Worden and their families; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon (Saylor) Worden; father, James Caruthers, Jr.; uncle, Gary Saylor; and father and mother-in-law, Rodney and Phyllis Raterink; as well as his grandparents, Charles and Phyllis Caruthers, Jack Saylor, and Lenora Anson.

Friends are encouraged to support Brian’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service was held Wednesday, August 7 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mike Rodgers officiating.

The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Brian’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to Right to Life of Michigan, or to the family so they may purchase and plant a tree in his honor. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.