Jessie Praytor

Jessie Praytor, Sr., 85 passed away February 13, 2009 at Heritage Oaks West Nursing Home surrounded by his family. He is now at peace with the Lord and is joyfully reunited with his wife in heaven. Jessie was born April 18, 1923 in Rockdale, Texas to James and Lillie (Caffey) Praytor. As a young man he worked in the cotton fields and always said he could pick cotton faster than most people. Jessie also worked at the Cotton Mill where he made many lifetime friends. Jessie served in the U.S. Army 5th Infantry during World War II where he was stationed in the Philippines. Jessie was a captain of the Corsicana Fire Department for 33 years before retiring which he thoroughly enjoyed. Jessie also worked as a carpenter for many years. He instilled strong work ethics into his family and co-workers. Jessie married the love of his life Miriam Tanner on March 26, 1949. They enjoyed traveling and camping through the years. Jessie also was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed by all. He loved the Lord with all his heart and served as deacon for many years. He always taught his family that the Lord was to come first and then everything would fall into place. He enjoyed hunting, playing dominoes, watching sports and farming. Jessie was preceded in death by his wife Miriam (Tanner) Praytor; sisters - Estelle Adams, Alta Rae Pickett, Alsie Mae Beldin and Marie Wright; brother - Arthur Praytor; parents James and Lillie Praytor. He is survived by his 2 sisters - Betty Jo Franks of Corsicana and Lela Howard of Florida; his children - Jessie Lynn and Nancy Praytor of Corsicana, Royce and Susan Praytor of Corsicana, Cloyce Praytor of Powell, David Praytor of Kerens and Janice and Clyde Crumpton of Corsicana; 13 grandchildren - Jessie Lynn III and Tiffany Praytor, Eddie and Kristy Praytor, Joseph and Tonya Praytor, Jeanne and Jason (Praytor) Englehart, Royce and Olivia Praytor, Jr., Rowdy Praytor, Joyce and Cody (Praytor) Callahan, Joy Praytor, Bobby and Leeanne Greene, Ashley Gilland, Jessica Gilland, Tabitha Crumpton, January Crumpton; 16 great-grandchildren - Jacob, Zane, LaBecca Praytor, Serria and Cheyanne Praytor, Blake and Cameron Englehart, Haidyn and Megan Praytor, Dakota and Anna Callahan, leah'Anne and Briar Greene, Brooklynn and Kaelynn Crofut, Tanner Tatu and one on the way. Visitation is Monday, February 16, 2009 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 PM. Service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 Pm with Rev. Hiriam Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Smithey, Derrill Stephens, Dusty Ledbetter, Ron Franks, Kevin Farmer, Gerald Whitehead, Ricky Crenshaw, Ronnie Morgan, Ken Partin and Larry Wilcox. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Dennis, L.H. Richardson, Bobby Clay, Doug Fogg and Royce Owens.

Jessie Praytor

April 18, 1923 - February 13, 2009