Obituary of Lawrence Richard Pratt, Sr.

Lawrence Richard Pratt, Sr. affectionately known as "Baldy" to family and friends and "Larry" to coworkers was born to Ogden John "Buss" Pratt and Alice Lucinda Pratt (Wise) on February 21, 1932. He received his education through the Palmyra Public School System. After high school, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Airforce where he served until 1956. While stationed at the military base in Troy, New York, he was baptized in the name of out Lord and Savior. His time in the military would culminate with the Middleweight and Light Heavy weight division title, "Golden Glove Champion" with a record of 54-4-1. After leaving the US Airforce, his interest in sports did not dissipate; he soon took on the position of short stop on the Pendell Baseball League where he won the honor of MVP five times. Larry also had a passion for track and field, hurdling, high jumping, running the 55 or 60 meter dash, setting records and winning championships all over the United States. In his fifties, he won the National masters Track and Field Championships in hurdles eight times. Not only did he display athletic depth, but he also exhibited an artistic flare through his sketching and written poetry. Larry held various jobs throughout Burlington County including the Countryside Elementary School where he was the Custodian until his retirement in 1955. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sonya Pratt, his brothers, Herbert Pratt, Leonard Pratt, and Charles Pratt. Leaving to cherish his memories are, two daughters, Terry L. Pratt and Kelly A. McCrea (Johnny); three sons, Lawrence R. Pratt, Jr. (Maria), Greg Washington and King I. Shabazz; two brothers, Rev. Wayne Chinn and Robin Pratt, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Sorrowfully submitted, The Family