Eugene "Ed" Allen Pratt

Eugene  Allen ‘Ed’ Pratt, 78, of Dyer, TN  peacefully passed away on Sunday May 23, 2021, at home surrounded by family.

Ed was born on November 19, 1942 in Denver, CO to the late Albert Edward Pratt and Mary Louise (Jordan) Pratt. After attending Mary Help of Christian high school in Tampa, FL where he grew up, he worked with his father on tugboats, before enlisting in the US Navy where he served four years before honorable discharge in 1965. While in the Navy, he was stationed in several ports, including San Diego, CA and Atsugi, Japan.  He also spent time in training at the naval station in Millington, TN. He spent his final year of service on the USS Mars off the coast of Vietnam in charge of helicopter maintenance for the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters on-board.

While stationed in Millington, he met his eventual wife, Mary Ellen Reed from Dyer. They were married in 1965 after his discharge from the service and settled in Hernando, MS while both worked in Memphis. In 1973, they relocated to Dyer, where they have lived ever since. Ed became President and part owner of Dyer Fiberglass, Inc., where he and Ellen worked together until they sold the business in 2020.

During his life in Dyer, Ed was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a deacon, choir member, Sunday School teacher, RA leader, and other roles as he was able. He was also a member of Pinecrest Golf Club, where he enjoyed playing with many friends for over 30 years up until just a few months before his passing.

Ed was predeceased by his father and mother, a brother Jimmy Pratt, and a sister JoAnn Suttner. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen Pratt; his son Jason Pratt of Dyer; and his son Spencer Pratt and wife Melissa and two adored granddaughters Lydia and Claire of Jackson, TN; as well as by his endeared nieces Dr. Rachel Barker and Marylee Barker Williams, who trained him well to be grandfather -- along with a vast number other nieces and nephews across the United States!

He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Huntington, Fay Bowden, Gail Palmer, and Patricia Nee; as well as his brothers Donald Pratt, John Pratt, Patrick Pratt, and Joey Pratt.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church Dyer TN on Saturday, May 29th, with visitation beginning at 11 am and service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dyer First Baptist Church Tanya Taylor Mission Fund, to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, or to a charity of choice.