Basil J Prout Sr.

Basil was born March 27th, 1928 to Enos and Nellie Prout in Cain Curran, Jamaica, West Indies along with his twin sister Ruby. They were the youngest of seven children. Growing up, he attended the Nalcalver Technical Institute in Jamaica.  He protected aircraft as an armed guard at a military base before marrying Rita MacPherson on July 9th, 1948. Of this union were born four sons.  In 1956, Basil left Jamaica for New York City and worked, among other places, as a mechanical engineer at the West Side YMCA for 23 years.

Basil and Rita divorced in 1974, and in 1977 he married Constance Reynolds.  Basil and Connie relocated to Hollywood, FL in December of 1980.  He was briefly employed as a general maintenance worker at Venetian Park until he became self-employed and oversaw the property needs at a large nearby building complex.

Basil was a member of St. Andrews Park Road Presbyterian Church and remained very active until his passing. Through his adult life, Basil provided support to his twin sister back in Jamaica and aided several family members.

In his retirement, Basil enjoyed spending time feeding the fish and birds from his backyard dock, as well as the freedom that came with going out on his boat.  His annual New Year’s Eve parties were always a source of joy for him and Constance.

Basil’s siblings Winston, Raymond, Melville, Myrtle and Pearl preceded him in death. Basil’s first wife Rita, mother of his four boys, died in 2011 and Connie passed away in 2014.  He is survived by his twin sister Ruby, who still resides in Jamaica; his four sons, Basil A., Allan (Cathy) Prout, Mark (Akua) Prout, Derek (Patricia) Prout, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Basil’s very dear friend, Pastor TJ Campos of St. Andrews will officiate the funeral service. Burial will follow at Hollywood Memorial Gardens East. Arrangements are by Fred Hunter’s.

The family of Basil J. Prout wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Hamilton, Nurses Gloria and Lois from Regional Memorial Hospital and dear friend Chris Royer, who all made this difficult time a little easier. The family also wishes to thank everyone who has reached out during this time. The kind words and remembrances were greatly appreciated.