William Wilson Pratt

William Wilson Pratt (Bill), passed away unexpectedly early Monday, October 28, 2013 in Carrollton, Texas, at the age of 87. He was born in Dallas on February 9, 1926, the only child of Horace Jackson Pratt and Alma Wilson Pratt. Bill grew up in Jacksonville, Texas. During World War II, he was stationed in Italy as a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After the war, he attended Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1948 with a BBA. While at SMU, he became a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. It was at SMU that he met his future wife, Jean. They were married in February 1950 and enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. Bill retired in 1987 after 39 years with United States Gypsum Company, where he was Sales Manager selling gypsum wallboard (Sheetrock).

Bill was an active member of The Nor’kirk Presbyterian for the last 17 years, where he served as Trustee and more importantly, served as greeter to all who entered the church for worship each Sunday. An entire generation will remember his hugs and smiles as they were welcomed to God’s house. He was a sixty-year Master Mason, and was past President of the North Dallas Lion’s Club.

His positive attitude, ready smile, and passion for telling stories about Jacksonville, World War II, and gypsum sales will be missed. He was a lifetime baseball fan and a loyal follower of the Texas Rangers. He loved trivia, reading, and was proud of the fact that he was a fifth generation Texan.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, by a dear aunt and uncle, Marshall and Nannie Pratt, and by an infant granddaughter. He is survived by his wife, Jean Pratt, by daughters Nancy Pratt and Becky Pratt Heflin, son-in-law Darrell Heflin, grandsons Matthew William Heflin, Steven Donald Heflin, and Zachary Pratt Heflin, all of Carrollton, by two future granddaughters-in-law, Ellen Cresto and Erin Foster, and by cousins Jeanie Barnes of Pasadena, Texas and Frazier Wilson of Waco, Texas.

There will be a visitation at Rhoton Funeral Home (1511 North Stemmons Expressway; Carrollton, TX 75006) on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 pm. The Memorial Service will be Friday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. at The Nor’kirk Presbyterian, the Reverend Doctor Bill Parr officiating (3915 North Josey Lane, Carrollton, TX 75007). Private burial will be at Furneaux Cemetary in Carrollton.

Family requests memorial donations be made to The Nor’kirk Presbyterian or to The American Cancer Society.