Gary Pratt , VRHS Class of 1988
Gary Pratt was an absolutely adoring father, husband, son, brother, cousin, uncle, godfather and bandmate. Though a man of few words, he expressed himself beautifully through his music. Kind and gentle, he never spoke an unkind word about anyone. Family, friends and bandmates knew they could always count on him, whether it was showing up for gigs on time and ready to play, filling in when another band was in a pinch, or showing up to his daughters' events and field trips. Above all, Gary was a caring, loving, giving husband and father, proudly referring to himself as a "stay-at-home mom." He supported the family through music and cared for his girls, then 2 and 4, while his beloved wife Connie attended nursing school. Just know that I've never loved anyone in my life like I love you, he wrote in a message to be read posthumously by the love of his life, Connie. You are an amazing wife and mother, and my angel of mercy. God brought us together for a very special reason ... Our daughters. Gary Pratt died Oct. 27, 2024, at home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, after an 18-month struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 54. He was born Aug. 4, 1970, in Albany, New York to Norman H. Pratt, Jr. and Eileen Forgea Pratt. He graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1988. In 1999, he moved to Hilton Head Island, where he and Connie eloped in a beach wedding on Aug. 11, 2005. They welcomed two daughters, Abbey and Mallory, into the world. A well-known local musician for more than a quarter of a century, Gary was a singer, bass player, keyboardist and guitarist. He played in local bands JoJo Squirrel and the Home Pickles, Silicone Sister, The Nicest Guys in the World, Lowcountry Boil Bluegrass Band and the Jalapeño Brothers. His bandmates were like brothers to him. He was a talented songwriter. You can find his original music on all the major music apps, including Amazon, Spotify and Apple. Of all his songs, "Teach" is Connie's favorite. Gary loved animals, especially his best girl Missy, and they loved him right back - Missy and the cats, Ziggy and Buddy, were often on his bed as he faced his final challenge. He also loved sharing holiday traditions with his family: Always, always, always celebrate the holidays! he wrote in his email. Even if it's hard at first, remember how much I loved to. Especially Christmas, remember the reason for the season! He was a long-time member of Hilton Head Community Church, where he played in the band for more than 10 years.