Jay David Pratt, age 59, of South Charleston, WV, ended a fierce fight with cancer at the Hubbard Hospice House in the same city. Jay was born on June 9, 1957 to John D. and Betty L. (Arrington) Pratt in Weirton, WV. Jay had 3 sisters, Deborah, Patricia and Barbara. His childhood was spent in Weirton, but the family moved to Sistersville, WV, where Jay began and graduated high school.
Jay met the love of his life, Pamala Holstine in 1986, and they were married on June 9, 1990. Together, they lived out their wedding day promise to continue as best friends who laugh with, live for, dream with, and love one another.
For the last 15 years, Jay has worked for Smith Motor Company. He won the Vision of Excellence Award in 2014. He was also awarded many others, including the Prestige in 2006. Jed and Vicki Smith were tremendously loyal and supportive to Jay and his family during his battle.
Three separate branches of the military received Jay’s devoted service. He first served in the US Air Force as Sergeant from 1976-1982. During that time, he served in Saragoza, Spain, and travelled in Europe as time and money would allow. From 1990-1995 he served the US Army as a Combat Engineer. Simultaneously, he also served in the Army National Guard from 1991-1995, where he was an E6.
Jay loved WVU football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Nascar races. He and his wife spent many hours cheering themselves hoarse. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, who always brought a gleam of joy to his eye. He loved to talk about them, bragging about their accomplishments and abilities. Favorite pastimes with the grandchildren were target practice with BB guns, go-kart racing, and fishing. His cheerful “Hay-lo!” was his greeting at the door or on the phone, and was always genuine.
Jay was member of the Hopewell Baptist Church, where he served in various capacities and attended faithfully. His pastor and his church family were incredibly important to him.
Jay is survived by his wife, Pamala; daughter, Tracy (Pratt) Shive and son-in-law, Paul Shive; grandchildren, Franklyn, Phillip, Kellie, and Bailey, all of Dyersville, Iowa; parents, James E. and Betty (Arrington Pratt) VanCamp, of Sistersville, WV; sisters, Patricia (Pratt) Hostutler, of Nolensville, TN and Barbara (VanCamp) Palmer of Paden City, WV; nephews and nieces, Alex Gryskevich IV, Tricia Gryskevich (Hennis), Rebecca (Hostutler) Sommers, Rachael (Hostutler) Gill, Joel Hostutler and Jordan Palmer; brothers-in-law, Alex Gryskevich III and Todd Palmer.
Preceding Jay in death are his father, John D. Pratt; sister, Deborah (Pratt) Gryskevich; and brother-in-law, Gregory Hostutler.
Friends may call at Curry’s Funeral Home on Saturday, September 3 from 6 to 8pm. A service celebrating Jay’s life will be Sunday, September 4, at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastors Dwight McClure and Dorris Walls officiating. Graveside service with military graveside rites by the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768 will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday September 6, at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum So. Charleston.
Jay’s family members are grateful for the many friends and colleagues, leaders and caregivers, who were a part of his life. Each contributed to his life experiences, bringing him great joy, peace, and satisfaction. His greatest wish was to greet all of us again in Heaven, where there are no more goodbyes, only a joyful, “Hay’lo!”
Philip Lawrence Wade, 70, of Yawkey, went to be with the Lord Monday, September 5, 2016, at Valley Center, South Charleston, W.Va.
