Julius Curtis “J.C.” Pratt, age 86

Julius Curtis “J.C.” Pratt, also known as Pepaw, age 86, of Cabot, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023. He was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on August 7, 1937 to the late Lacy Medders Pratt and Lena (Camp) Pratt.

J.C.’s family originally came from Prattsville. He grew up in Sheridan and attended the Sheridan schools. He was known by many as mischievous in school and remained that way even later in life.

J.C. went on to join the United States Air Force on June 2, 1955. Ranked as A/3C, he trained at Lackland AFB, TX, at Sheppard AFB, TX and Altus AFB, OK. He served in Alaska, Japan, Hawaii, Wake Island, Guam, Philippines, China and Okinawa. During his years served, he was awarded a Squadron citation for outstanding performance and received a letter from General White for outstanding work performed. He was promoted to A/2C in February, 1956.

J.C. fell in love with Peggy Joyce Coursey in high school. During his service years, he found his way back to Peggy and made her his wife on March 20, 1957. They were married at Rayford and Christine Blake’s home in Sheridan.

On December 23, 1957, J.C. received a wonderful Christmas gift. Peggy gave birth to their first child, Richard Lacy Pratt. At this time, J.C. was still in the service at Altus AFB. He was released on an honorable discharge due to medical reasons on July 14, 1960.

Back to civilian life, J.C and Peggy made their home at Prattsville. He worked at Reynolds Metals and also began his self-employed career in used car sales.

On his birthday, August 7, 1961, J.C. received a birthday gift from Peggy and they named her Johnna Lynn Pratt. Life was moving on with his family and his car business which supported his family during his working years. J.C., Peggy, Rick and Johnna lived several years in Prattsville. Around 1967, J.C. moved his family a few miles up the road to Sheridan. He and Peggy raised their children at 223 College Street. As members of Calvary Missionary Baptist, J.C. and Peggy were active for several years in the children’s and youth activities. There were always several children besides their own at their house. J.C. and Peggy acquired the nicknames of “Pappa and Momma Bear”. He and Peggy seemed to be the neighborhood adopted parents of several teens.

J.C. was a loving husband, a wonderful and caring dad, a loyal friend and a rambunctious, fun-time grandpa and great-grandpa. He was a true hardheaded, stubborn, do-it my own way Leo. But most of all, J.C. Pratt was loved!

In addition to his parents, J.C. is preceded in death by his son Richard Lacy Pratt and siblings Mattie Cornelia (Pratt) Aron and Lacy Hannimal Pratt.

He leaves behind his wife of 66 years Peggy Joyce Pratt; daughter Johnna Moore (Mike); granddaughters Shelly Ransom (John), Kristin Moore, and Teresa Duncan (Kyle); great-grandchildren Shaylynn Grace, Sawyer Thomas, Isaiah Michael, Kasyn Lee, Aubree Lynn, Easton Lane, Haven Paige, and Anna Dawn.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 6:00pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com