James “Buddy” Pratt, 71, of Center, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2018 in Nacogdoches. He was born on March 12, 1947 in Center to Jimmy Pratt and Zelma Samford Pratt. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at White Rock Cemetery with Bro. Larry Byrd officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:30 PM on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Buddy, as everyone knew him, grew up in Center. His father passed away when Buddy was very young. His mother knew that Buddy would need a father figure in his life and later married Hollis Smith who would raise him as his own. Buddy graduated from Center High School and then entered the United States Army. He served his country honorably before returning home. Buddy took a job with Southwester Bell Telephone Company where he worked as a customer service technician for his entire career until retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He spent a beautiful 42 years with the love of his life, Vicky Harris and they built an amazing life together. More than anything, Buddy treasured his time spent surrounded by family. 

 

Buddy leaves behind his beloved wife, Vicky Pratt of Center; sons, Eric Pratt and wife, Allison of Center, Ryan Pratt of Baytown, Dion Pratt of Houston and Shane Pratt and wife, Dena of Mesa, Colorado; daughter, Dache Pratt Sneath and husband, Michael of Sachse, Texas; sister, Elizabeth Kay Langley of Kilgore; grandchildren, Kaleigh and Keaton “Bam” Pratt, Ian and Lyla Sneath, Destiney and Britney Pratt, Cagan and Louis Pratt, Addison and Tatum Pratt, Lauren Townley and Tyler Newcomb; and special family friend, Dr. Mark Cline.

He is preceded in death by his fathers, Jimmy Pratt and Hollis Smith and mother, Zelma Pratt Smith. 

Pallbearers will be Ken Ramsey, Joe White, Villis Dowden, Chase Hooper, Brandon Tyler and Doug Tyler. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Harris, Cecil Tyler and Brian Tyler.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.