William Henry Pratter

William Henry Pratter was born on May 25, 1929 in Cairo, Georgia to Esteller (Stephens) Pratter and Joseph Henry Pratter. He was raised by his mother Esteller and step-father Buddy Black. He joined the Army at the age of 18 and served for 22 ½ years. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam War as a combat soldier and medic and was a Purple Heart recipient. After retiring in 1971 he went on to study various coursework ranging from Automotive Technology to Interior Design. Ultimately, he landed on Barber and Styling and earned his Master of Barber & Styling license. He cut hair for many friends for years in his garage turned Barber Shop in Ayer. Bill had many hobbies during his life including camping, home improvement projects, caring for his beloved dogs and most of all fishing! Retiring at a relatively young age afforded him the time to enjoy these hobbies as well as spending time with family and friends. He was a social guy and the life of the party at any occasion. So, whether you knew him as Wee Henry, BeeBop, Pratter, Dad, Papa, Grampy or simply Bill he was loved and befriended by so many and will be dearly missed. Bill is survived by his daughter, Raquel Taylor and her husband Robert of Shirley, MA, daughter Bridget Williams and partner Stephanie Sellers of Georgia, daughter Patricia Scott and her husband John of Georgia, Son James Thomas and his wife Traci of Florida; grand-daughter Ashlie (Taylor) Velez and her husband Alex, grand-daughter Giovanni Friend, Stephan Sellers, Grandsons Patrick and Padreus Pratter, grand-daughters Karin Hylton and Junko LaSalle Peck; great-grand-children, Jayla, Gianna and Joshua Friend, Jameson William Velez and nephew, Nathaniel Thornton, step-sons Steven, Lawrence and Edward Urban. He was predeceased by wife Mary Lisa Pratter, wife Karin Pratter, and wife Ann Pratter, son William Henry Pratter Jr., son Therone Pratter and son Minkoo Pratter. Funeral services and burial in the Village Cemetery in Shirley will be held privately. The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers please donate to a Veteran’s charity of your choice and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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William Henry Pratter

May 25, 1929 - September 24, 2023