Ralph W. Pratt – age 86 of Fountain City was joyously welcomed into heaven by his family, friends, and, most importantly, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. He passed away peacefully in his home of over 60 years, just as he had wished. His family grieves his passing and will miss him greatly, and could not be more overjoyed for his freedom from sickness and the knowledge that he is reunited with all those he loves. Ralph was born on January 25, 1935 in the Smithwood community of Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the 10th child to Charlie and Opal Pratt. As a lifelong member of Smithwood Baptist Church, he was saved and baptized at an early age. He was a 1954 graduate of Central High School and a proud member of the Vagabonds social club. He was immensely proud of the fact that all of his grandchildren carried on the Bobcat tradition through their participation in various sports and activities at CHS over the years. He married Belinda Elder in 1964. Together they welcomed two children, Perry and Penny. The most important aspects of Ralph’s life were his work, his family and his faith. To live in Fountain City and Smithwood was to know Ralph Pratt. He was the co-owner of Pratt’s Country Store, carrying on the family business that began in the 1920s by his father and uncle, a business that his son Perry carries on to this day. Ralph could be seen at the store directing traffic, ringing up customers, or bagging and carrying out groceries for the better part of seven decades. It was through this family business that Ralph instilled the values of devotion to family, strong work ethic, and generosity. While he was often seen by his community at the family store, he was seen most by his family faithfully reading his Bible, watching every UT sporting event or the History Channel, and laughing with his grandchildren as the host of holiday gatherings and summer pool parties. He absolutely loved a good meal with family, and kept a generous supply of Little Debbie Cakes, cashews, and “blue treats” to enjoy. Ralph had a quick wit and playful sense of humor that made his family laugh constantly. There was never a shortage of hilarious family stories or wisecracks when Ralph was around, and this type of fun-loving spirit has been instilled in every member of Ralph’s family. He most loved joking with his brother and best friend, C.L. Pratt, Jr. His family likes to imagine that heaven is full of a little more laughter now that they have been reunited. Ralph’s life was a quiet testament to his incredible and unwavering faith in the Lord. Despite the many trials and tribulations of life, Ralph found joy and solace in the fact that he could depend on God for strength and guidance through difficult times.
Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Belinda Pratt, and all ten of his brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his son, Perry Pratt (Kellie); daughter, Penny Pratt Searcy (Alex); grandchildren, Carlton Searcy (Molly), Dalton Searcy (Calloway), Charlie Pratt (Savannah), Julianna Pratt (Jared), Thomas Pratt; and a great granddaughter, soon to be born to Charlie and Savannah in early August; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude and appreciation to caregivers, Mary and Wendy, as well as Chaplain Mark, and the staff of Avalon Hospice for their faithful and compassionate care of their father/ grandfather and their entire family.
The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, June 7, 2021, at Smithwood Baptist Church followed by the funeral service at 7:00 PM with Pastor Jeff Lane, Chaplain Mark Kitts, and Rev. David Haynes officiating. Family and friends will gather at 10:00 AM Tuesday at Bridges Funeral Home to go in procession to Berry Lynnhurst Cemetery for an 11:00 AM interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smithwood Baptist Church or the Fountain City Ministry Center. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ralph W Pratt January 25 1935 June 1 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N