David Andrew Pratt

David Andrew Pratt passed away on December 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Garcia Pratt; son, Brenton; granddaughter, Alexis; step-brother, Gary Smith (Beverly); numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. David was predeceased by his mother, Mildred M. Smith; father, Andrew J. Pratt; step-father, W. Ralph Kerr; step-father, Donald G. Smith.

David, a native of N.C., moved to Tampa with his mother in 1954 and grew up in Seminole Heights, attending Broward, Memorial, and Hillsborough High Schools (Class of ’65). As a member of Seminole Heights Methodist Church, he joined Cub Scout Pack 15 and Boy Scout Troop 15 earning the Eagle Scout Award, God and Country Award, Order of the Arrow Sash, and Mile Swim Badge, then later became a Sea Scout with Ship 15.

Despite his long disdain for structured and authoritarian public-school education, his lifelong love of reading non-fiction plus his realization of the financial benefits of attaining a higher education, prompted him to pursue numerous college degrees. During the 37 years following High School, Dave attended UF, SPJC, HCC, and USF eventually earning his AA at age 36, BS at age 48, his MBA at 55 and his proudest achievement, his USF class ring.

David had 8 jobs and 3 careers in his lifetime, Hillsborough drive-in, Food Fair Grocery Stores, Collier Encyclopedia Sales, Eckerd Drug Store, Whatley Roofing, Lindsley Lumber, Booker and Company for 31 years and Hillsborough County Schools 10 years.

David’s 1st priority was Barbara. Being children of the 60’s they were married 50+ years made a deal for better or worse for richer or poorer in sickness and in health forsaking all others ‘till death do us part and even then, Dave always believed that while death might part them temporarily, a love such as theirs would always reunite them one day. David was a loving father and grandpa, who always wanted to share his knowledge and his humor.

As the family historian and photographer his love and passion of telling a story David always wanted to be a writer and an artist of caricatures.

David was known for his sense of humor, which helped him fight depression and his eidetic ability worked for him to remember dates, people, places, and things from many years in the past.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A funeral service for David will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida. Interment will follow in Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4228 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to your favorite animal charity or shelter in David's memory.