Richard Pratchard, 50

A booming voice and big heart has gone to be with Jesus.

Richard Anthony Pratchard, 50, died August 18, 2020 in Hot Springs, Arkansas; born December 1, 1969 to Dona (Andersen) and the late Richard “Dick” Pratchard in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Early in Richard’s life the family moved to Emmet County, Michigan eventually calling Petoskey home. Despite the move north, the Buckeyes, the Bengals and the Reds would remain his home teams, although the Lions and Tigers would join their ranks along the way. Richard loved big. His love for music, broadcasting, and football were beat out only by his love for the Lord and his family.

He leaves behind, his beloved wife of nearly 18 years, Carrie (Talley), daughter, Karly, sons, Scott and Richard (RJ), future daughter-in-law, Mariah Vermillion, all of Hot Springs, grandchildren, Owen and Carsen of Conway, Arkansas, mother, Dona, brother, Eric and his wife Gina and their children Ella and Cole all of Tulsa, Oklahoma, mother-in-law, Sheryl Talley of Hillman, Michigan, sister-in-law Kaelie (Chris) Smith and their children, Mark McKim, Zoe McKim and Celia Smith of Ossineke, Michigan, a close uncle, Jerry Pate of Elizabethton, Tennessee and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Growing up Richard played and coached baseball, football, and softball and was in the process of completing Special Olympics certifications to be able to coach Karly in the many sports she pursues. His love for football spawned into a side gig that brought so many of his passions together. With the help of some key Lakeside Ram Boosters, Richard became the Voice of Lakeside Ram Football. Starting with internet broadcasts and eventually coordinating with Kool 101.5, it was Richard’s hope to make each game special for the players, parents, and fans, but especially for those parents that couldn’t be present at the actual events. Eventually, he added Lakeside Youth Football Association and the Simulation Football League to his announcing repertoire. Every fall it was likely he would call no less than 5 games on any given weekend, spending countless hours preparing with film and coach interviews to make each broadcast everything he thought it should be. It brought him great joy to see players grow and so looked forward to getting to announcing for them at each level along the way. His passion brought the game alive to all who heard him. He had hoped to continue broadcasting well into his golden years and was well on his way with nearly a decade behind the mic. Much of Richard’s working life was spent in public safety from EMS, volunteer Fireman, Garland County Constable with most of his time spent in 9-1-1 services. He dispatched in multiple states throughout his career working from a call taker to eventually leading the Hot Spring County 9-1-1 Center. His heart was to serve others in any way he could. Leaving public safety was one of the hardest things he ever did. His years in 9-1-1 service led to a career change to IT. Mostly self-taught, he worked from freelance IT support to overseeing complete networks. Most recently joining the B & F Engineering Family. He as so proud to call B&F his work home. IT had fueled his goal to finish his college degree and he was so close to finishing that goal. Richard also loved music and theater. He sang in choirs all through high school, performed in musicals and madrigal events, and ran audio and lights for so many different things. He even tried his hand at directing with Smoke on the Mountain with the Royal Players in Benton, Arkansas. His ear could hear things no one else would even notice. He loved using this talent to serve the Lord. He served many volunteer hours on Crossgate Church’s tech team and more recently joining the New Life Church - Hot Springs team. Richard’s legacy is the love he had for everyone he encountered.

The list of those he called friend is endless, but the family wishes to recognize some of Richard’s special friends including John McCaleb, Byron Lee, Robert Fellows, Michael Reid, Michael Franchino, Carter Hickey, Lakeside Radio Broadcasters past and present, all the Lakeside Ram football players and coaches, LYFA, and Cam Irvine and the SFL Broadcasting Team.

A memorial service celebrating Richard’s life will be held Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 3 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider joining his family in continuing Richard’s legacy by investing in your local youth sports/music/broadcasting programs, your local church media ministry, or your local public safety organizations. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.