Funeral, Visitation Set for Pastor, Leader

As funeral plans were announced for the pastor and community leader who passed suddenly during a charity basketball game, the Georgia Senate held a moment of silence Monday to honor Charles Fluellen Sr. 

“Mr. Fluellen was a prominent member of our community and a great man of God. He was unbelievably dedicated to his congregation and family,” State Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, said in a press release. “His presence will remain with everyone who met him and his memory will forever live within the Bartow community."

Along with Bruce Thompson, who posted a Facebook update about the death, Loudermilk participated Saturday in the Pastors vs. Politicians charity basketball game at . He said Fluellen and later died.

The state House of Representatives and state Senate are set to craft legislation to honor Fluellen, pastor of and director of Bartow County's , according to Loudermilk.

"It is only suiting to honor such a prestigious man with a resolution that will forever embody his spirit at the State Capitol,” he said in the release.

A funeral for 57-year-old Fluellen is set for noon Saturday at , according to , which is handling the arrangements. Fluellen's family is set to receive visitors Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at .

Fluellen is the father of graduate and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Andre Fluellen, who finished his fourth season with the team and will be an unrestricted free agent next month, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"Please pray for my family... Lost a great man, but even greater father today," the son tweeted Saturday night. "Thank God that through Jesus, we don't die, we just go home.

"Pls tell someone you love them... Somebody needs to hear it."