Randall Kent Pratt

Randall Kent Pratt, age 77, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on December 28, 2022. Rand was born on December 27, 1945 in Roundup, Montana to Andy and Lucille (Smithey) Pratt. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and tennis growing up and graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1963. His father, a career miner with an 8th grade education, instilled in him a strong love of learning and a drive to excel in academics. Rand graduated from the University of Montana with a Psychology degree in 1967 and continued his studies by earning a Master's in Divinity from the Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC) in 1969. He met his wife, Charlene, while working through seminary at Mt. Oak Fellowship in Mitchellville, Maryland.

Rand spent 18 years as a Methodist minister starting with the Melville Chapel UMC and Harwood Park UMC. During his 11-year tenure with these churches in Elkridge he was a proud member of the Elkridge Rotary Club. In 1980, he and his family moved to Bel Air, Maryland where he was the pastor of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for the next seven years. He took pride in developing relationships with parishioners and in the many positive effects people in these churches had on the local community.

Rand had the courage and confidence to start a second career in 1987 as a construction estimator and project manager that he continued until the end of his life. He enjoyed playing a role in projects such as dog parks and kayak launches that would be available for the community to enjoy with family and pets. He valued hard work and was proud of his role in helping small businesses grow and succeed.

Rand was always there for his family and friends in any needed role including Little League baseball coach at the Churchville Recreation Council, math tutor, chauffeur, counselor, PTA director at Prospect Elementary School, chef, dog sitter, etc. He was also counted on to attend every concert, dance recital, play, ballgame, or school event for his kids and grandchildren. His love of learning and education was evident throughout his life starting with his encouragement and support of his children in their pursuit of college degrees and even to the end of his life acting as his grandson’s math tutor.

Rand was a lifelong fan of the University of Montana Grizzlies and the New York Yankees. He attended Game 6 of the 1996 World Series watching his beloved Yankees win the championship. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing books with his older sister and other family members. He enjoyed his many trips to the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk with his dogs. He loved walking, a good hamburger, and a cup of coffee. He celebrated his last birthday happily with his family and enjoying one last hamburger. He will be greatly missed.

Besides his parents, Lucille and Andy Pratt, he is predeceased by his brother Jerry Pratt. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlene (Ryan) Pratt; sister, Shirley Toshoff of Butte, MT; son, Bryce A. Pratt and his sons Andrew and Benjamin Pratt; daughter, Andrea M. Frank and son Brayden Frank; son, Jared S. Pratt; nephew Robert G. Toshoff of Missoula, MT; niece and nephew Gail and Jim Head of Eldersburg, MD; nephew Kent Pratt; niece and nephew Lori and Rich Jette; and several nieces and nephews and his beloved Luc the Airedale Terrier.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.