R. William “Bill” Pratt

R. William “Bill” Pratt, 90, of Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was born on October 10, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Elinor Blanche (White) Pratt and Benjamin Pratt.

Bill answered the call to serve his country as a United States Army veteran, with service during the Vietnam era. His love of America was not confined to his years in uniform — it was a lifelong devotion. For as long as his family can remember, an American flag flew proudly outside his home, a quiet and steadfast testament to the patriot he was every single day of his life.

He later earned a Bachelor’s degree and devoted his professional career to public service, working for the United States Government at the Social Security Administration and later at Defense Logistics in Columbus, Ohio. He spent most of his life in Ohio, with cherished time in Michigan as well, building a home and a life alongside his beloved wife Toni. In their later years, he and Toni settled in Malta, Ohio, where they spent the last 17 years of their lives together.

Those who knew Bill knew a man of remarkable intelligence, discipline, and quiet steadiness. He was a hard worker in the deepest sense — not merely in his profession, but in the way he showed up for his family, day after day, year after year. He provided for those he loved, and that devotion endured until his very last breath.

In his younger years, Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors — a man most at home in the natural world, at peace in the quiet places. He was also gifted with a beautiful singing voice, one that carried him as far as radio commercials in his younger days. A talented guitarist, he shared that gift generously with his faith community, playing for church services and enriching the worship of all who gathered. His Catholic faith was the foundation of his life, a devotion he shared with Antoinette through decades of service together at their church. Faith, family, and country were the pillars by which he lived.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Antoinette Irene “Toni” Pratt; his son, Timothy J. Pratt; and his parents, Benjamin Pratt and Elinor Blanche (White) Pratt.

He is survived by his children: Michelle Irene Tompkins (Gregory Dean Tompkins), Christine Judith Pratt, and William Allen Pratt (Susan Michele Pratt); six grandchildren: Benjamin Joseph Adams, Libby Mae Pratt, Luke William Pratt, Logan Thomas Pratt, Genevieve Marie Lyons (Kyle Lyons), and Garrett Weldon Tompkins (Meghan Tompkins); and five great-grandchildren: Declan Grayson Lyons, Madison Allie Lyons, Galen Weldon Tompkins, Piper Tompkins, and Gwendolyn Swi Tompkins. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, April 21st at 11:00 am at Saint James Catholic Church in McConnelsville. Military Rites will be on the church lawn following the service.

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