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J.V. "John" Pratt

J.V. \"John\" Pratt

Jan. 25, 2013

J.V. \"John\" Pratt, 80, of Athens, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at his home.

A native of Etowah, he was of the Baptist faith and was the only child of the late John Jessie and Leo Center Pratt.

He joined the National Guard when he was 17 years old as part of the 278th INF National Guard Unit activated into combat service from Ft. Evans, Mass.

After serving six months of active duty, he was discharged with several others because of being underage. 30 days later in January, he turned 18 and joined the U.S. Air Force. He was sent to Langley Air Force Base to be processed and was assigned to the 136th Fighter Bomber group out of Texas. This unit was sent to Japan. He served one tour in Japan and one tour in Korea.

After Korea, he was sent to Tokyo and processed to return to Niagara Falls, N.Y., where he served the remainder of his term in the U.S. Air Force. He was discharged in 1953 and was employed by Bowater Southern Paper Mill for seven years.

He went to South Georgia to Great Southern Paper Mill as a shipping foreman for 10 years. After paper mill work, he joined the Teamsters Union and worked for Roadway Express as a line haul driver for 32 years in various cities, including Chattanooga, Oklahoma City and Memphis. He retired to Athens in 2002.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Janice Hodges Pratt of Athens, and formerly of Blakely, Ga.; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Vic and Diana Pratt of Etowah, Eddie and Carolyn Pratt of Blakely, Ga., Vince Pratt and Bonita of Greeneville, and Mark Pratt of Hurst, Texas; one stepson and spouse, Larry and Donna Jones of Columbus, Ga.; one stepdaughter and spouse, Laura and Mike Wilkins of California; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his pet, Buffy.

A graveside memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Coghill Cemetery with military honors with Col. Jimmy Williams and the Rev. Joe Hatcher officiating.

No formal visitation will be held.

If you are unable to attend, sign the guest registry at www.bordwinefuneralhome.com

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.