Rusty Praught December 8, 1986 - October 22, 2021 Phenix City, Alabama – Rusty Praught, 34, of Phenix City, AL was born in Fort Polk, LA to Darrell Praught and Lisa Harvey. Rusty grew up in Silvis, IL with his grandmother and cousins while his dad was stationed in Germany. Once Darrell returned stateside, Rusty and Kristina joined him at Fort Benning, GA. When Darrell retired from the Army, the family moved to Smiths Station, AL. Rusty graduated from Smith Station High School in 2005. He joined the Air Force and served with their Security Forces from 2005 to 2014. He was stationed in Wyoming, South Korea, and Japan. He graduated from Columbus State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre in 2020 He had a small speaking part in an upcoming movie. Rusty became a full-time drama teacher at Richards Middle School at the start of the 2021-22 school year. He had a passion for acting and was excited about inspiring young minds to achieve great things.
He is survived by his parents Darrell and Belen Praught of Phenix City, AL and Stan and Lisa Harvey of Copperas Cove, TX; children: Lucius Nye, Hailey Praught, and Scarlett Praught of Phenix City, AL; siblings: Kristina Hickman (Sam) of Opelika, AL and Darlene Praught of Phenix City, AL; and girl friend, Brandy Pierce of Columbus, GA.
Rusty loved people. The people that knew him, knew him as fun-loving, goofy, generous, and caring. He loved to go out of his way to take care of others. He was always ready to give what he had to help, and he loved to give gifts. He was always ready to joke around and laugh with others. He loved his family and his kids dearly and loved spending time with them.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. EDT Friday, October 29, 2021 at Midway Baptist Church in Smiths Station, AL with Pastor Jeff Dravenstott officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to a charity of your choice or donating to his GoFundMe.
