Billy Ray Pratt

A graveside service for Billy Ray Pratt, 86, of Gainesville, are set for 2:00 PM Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville with David Whittington officiating under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.

Bill was born on September 25, 1931 in Marietta, Oklahoma to Joe Brice Pratt and Viola Gladys (Stevens) Pratt. He attended high school in Thackerville, Oklahoma, and married Vongala Sims on October 17, 1949. He was a farmer, then served in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso. When discharged, he started in law enforcement in Madill, Oklahoma. He came to Cooke County as a Sheriff Deputy assigned to the Muenster area. He was elected Cooke County Sheriff in January 1965 and served a total of 17 years before retiring.

Bill went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 12, 2017 in Gainesville.

He is survived by son Billy Joe Pratt and his wife Jeanette of Era; son James Paul Pratt of Gainesville; granddaughter Tanya (Pratt) Moore and her husband John; step-grandchildren Weldon Patterson and his wife Kelly, James Patterson and his wife Sherrie, Patti Bridges and her husband James, Julie Maughan and her husband Karl, Amy Jones and her husband Strad,Carrie Mabe and her husband Chris; 21 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Pratt; brother Jim Pratt; brother Weldon Pratt and his wife Donna; sister Mary Hice and her husband Maxie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Vongala Christine Pratt; his parents; brother Arnold Pratt; and sister Joyce Lane.

Bill enjoyed having many friends throughout the Cooke County and surrounding areas.