Obituary of Alex Pratcher, Sr.

Alex Pratcher, son of Amie and Sandy Pratcher, was born on December 18, 1935 in Greensboro, Alabama. He entered eternal rest on November 11, 2020, in the Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. In 1938, the family relocated to Coalwood, West Virginia where he was raised along with his six siblings. Alex accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized by the Rev. J. D. Simpson at the Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Coalwood, West Virginia. He received his education in the McDowell County School System. In the “hollow,” Alex aka (‘Sonny’) was the driver for many people who had cars, but did not know how to drive. He was privileged to many conversations; and knew a lot about everyone and everything in Coalwood. We used to challenge his knowledge and he always won; so, he earned the title, “Coalwood Community’s Historian.’’ He relocated to Brooklyn, New York where he was employed by Topps Chewing Gum Company. In April, 1955, he was united in holy matrimony to the late Shirley Easley and from that union, a son, Darryl was born. In 1960, he was gifted with a beautiful baby daughter, Sherri (Barbara). In 1963, he relocated to Wilmington, Delaware where he was employed by the Wilmington Medical Center. In February, 1966, he was united in holy matrimony to Christine Foxx and from that union, a son, Alex Jr. was born. While employed with the Medical Center, he accepted employment with Delaware Container Corporation and worked both jobs until 1979 when he retired from the Medical Center. He continued to work at DCC until he retired in 2000. He made many long-term friends there and maintained contact with them until his death. After his retirement, he accepted a part-time position with Rite Aid Pharmacy (Market Street), where he became familiar with every aspect of the store. His coworkers and customers relied on him to help find a broad range of merchandise. His coworkers would say, “Ask Mr. Alex.” He retired from Rite Aid in 2009 after he became ill. Alex was a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church and texted Pastor Dunnigan (nephew), and other family members every day. He looked forward to the frequent visits from the evangelism and deacons’ ministries. Alex had many interests. He loved watching jeopardy, wrestling, and Sanford and Son. He was an avid gardener and grew all of his herbs. He loved to cook and had excellent culinary skills: no matter how he prepared his food, it was always delicious – chicken, ribs, mac’n cheese. In fact, he used to prepare mac’n cheese for some of our church functions. At family gatherings, he would don his chef’s apron and dominate the grill. We all loved it! Sonny was a kind and fun-loving person. In his neighborhood on 14th Street, his garage was the “go to place.” Before he became ill, he kept his garage opened and his refrigerator stocked with “cold ones.” His friends and neighbors used to look forward to “shooting the breeze” and partaking of that good food. He enjoyed a close relationship with his family and had a special relationship with his younger brother, Sam and his wife, Gail (sister in love); who he entrusted to care for his affairs during his last years of life. Alex was preceded in death by his mother and father, Amie and Samuel, Sr.; three siblings, Lewis, Ella Mae and Ethel Mae (Cannon); Elbert Dunnigan, (brother in love). Alex loved his family and leaves to cherish his precious memory: three children: Darryl Pratcher (Niesha); Sherri Rutherford; Alex Pratcher, Jr. (Lisa); six grandchildren: Amy Rutherford; Taylor Alexis Pratcher, Alex, Pratcher, III; Christopher Pratcher, Alan Pratcher and Ny’Kirah Jenkins; three siblings: Aselene Pratcher, Samuel Pratcher, Jr. (Gail); Margaret Dunnigan; two special nephews, Jackie L. and Robert L. Cannon; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.