Jackie "Lee" Praytor

jackie praytor

February 23, 1975 ~ July 27, 2020

Born in: Asheville, NC
Resided in: Hendersonville, NC

Born February 23, 1975, Lee didn’t begin to live until July 27, 2020 when he was called home. But his light that shined so bright and how he lived during the “dash” of those 45 years tells his story better than words ever can.

The son of Jackie and Nancy Lewis Praytor, Lee was a devoted son. Not a day went by that he didn’t stop by as well as call to check on “mudder” and “Pops”. He was the best brother anyone could ask for and he loved and took the best care of his sisters, Shannon Praytor Allison (husband Kelly, lovingly known as “Bubba” to Lee) and Brooke Praytor Tate. To his nieces, Sydney Allison and Kassidey Deveraux, and his nephew, Kaiden Allison, he was their favorite Uncle Lee-Lee; he adored them and they adored him. Lee was surrounded by uncles who loved him like their own son and introduced him to his love of working on cars, aunts who loved him and knew how special he was, and many many cousins who also adored him.

He became the most devoted, loving and dedicated father when he was blessed with his sons, Chandler and Chase (Mandy Rhodes Benfield). While Chase went home to be with the Lord upon birth, Lee and Chandler were the dynamic duo. They loved taking bumpy rides in trucks and anything else that would bring a smile to Chandler’s face. When he married the love of his life, Natalie Corn Praytor, his life became complete and her sons, Allen and Nathan Case, became his sons as well. He was Natalie and the boy’s biggest supporter, mentor, caretaker and security.

Lee loved many things: family, friends (& their children who he acted like a big kid with and had so much fun with), his BorgWarner work family of 25 years, Mills Gap Baptist Church and church family, cooking (his BBQ was out of this world!), working on his hotrod “ole Squaregirl”, his very spoiled pup Rascal…the list goes on and on. But what he absolutely loved THE most was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a good and faithful servant and gladly fulfilled many roles in his church. He walked the walk and talked the talk and many of you were blessed by his Face Book “verse of the day”. He is reunited with his sons and loved ones who have gone on before, and we know we will be reunited with him one day, of this we have no doubt. As the words from one of his favorite songs say, Lee “just stopped by on his way home” and we were so blessed that he did.

Lee’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 4:00 PM at Mills Gap Baptist Church with the Reverend Jeff Wilkie officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee’s memory can be made to Mills Gap Baptist Church (PO Box 1502, Fletcher, NC 28732).

Services

Visitation: August 2, 2020 2:00 pm - April 25, 2024 4:00 pm

Mills Gap Baptist Church
370 Mills Gap Rd.
Asheville, NC 28803

(828) 684-4673

Celebration of Life: August 2, 2020 4:00 pm

Mills Gap Baptist Church
370 Mills Gap Rd.
Asheville, NC 28803

(828) 684-4673

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I’m so sorry to hear ur lost. I don’t k where to start. Lee will be missed. Seeing him at Ingles getting Natalie coffee sometimes or just buying groceries. He always spoked. Just like his daddy never meet a stranger. Gone to soon.

  2. So sorry to hear!! A mild mannered Friend. Our prayers are with Natalie and the family.

    • Sorry to hear of your loss. He’s gone to a much greater home, comfort is knowing and looking forward to seeing him again. Jackie, Nancy, and Naylor you are in my prayers. God will see you through this rough time.

  3. My heart still hurts with the news gone way too soon. Will never forget that smile and chuckles especially at them medguard shows . You will be missed blessed to have called you friend. My prayers with Natalie and the family …With much love Roxie & Jeff Pressley

  4. I am so very sorry for the loss of this wonderful man! He always had a smile on his face. My heart goes out to the friends and family.

  5. To Jackie Nancy Shannon and Brooke and also to Natlie I’m so sorry to hear about Lee I know that he always Loved his Lord and I know that you can take heart in that we shall see Lee again I’m sure these are only words to you but I also know that each one of you are hurting but I Pray that our Lord will be close to each of you I’m sorry I can’t be there but know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers Sammy Ruth

  6. It’s always a tragedy when someone leaves us (far to soon), and we anxiously await the time that we will meet again. But this time, we will all be united in the glorious light of the Lord! No other gift can we behold!
    Our goal in life is to do well on earth, encourage others and love with all of your heart and be thankful, good or bad, for everything that you have and have dealt with in ur life!
    I never knew Jackie, But I wish I had as he sounds like a man that Jesus knows & a man who has followed the Lord in family, friends, graciousness & love for all. God is well-pleased.
    Do not weep but be overcome with joy— for the life Jackie shared on earth, and above all, celebrate his going home to our Father!
    Peace ever be with u, Natalie & family!!
    Joe & Pamela Honea

  7. Jackie Nancy and family— I am so sorry for your loss! There are no words. Praying for all of you.

  8. I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all 🙏 My husband and I will miss his truck going through the neighborhood early in the morning…if there is anything we can do please let us know❤️ RIP LEE

  9. We send Love Natalie. John and I as well as Our Silvercrest church family lifting you up in your time of sorrow. Love to everyone who loved Lee.

  10. Lee-Lee was and always will be like a brother to me. He was part of the family growing up. Always laughing and being a kid. Most importantly sharing his love for the Lord. I enjoyed his daily FB verses and most of the time they were just what I needed to hear. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family during this time.

  11. I was Chandler’s teacher at Upward Elementary School for 6 years. I met Lee when Chandler was in Kindergarten. He was such a wonderful, caring, loving father to that little guy. He was loved so much and gave so much love back. I am so sorry for your family’s loss of such an amazing father. My prayers are for God to comfort you during this difficult time.

  12. Natalie and family. Our heart breaks for your loss. Wish we could take your pain away. Lee was such an amazing man and will be missed. Surround yourselves in the comfort that he is in a better place and you will meet him in the sky. We love you all.

  13. I am so sorry Jackie,Nancy,Shannon and Brooke. Still hard to believe all I can think about it is all the great memories of growing up with him. Love y’all and if you need anything im right down the road.

  14. Jackie and family, So very sorry for your loss !!! God Bless you all !! Thoughts and prayers !!!

  15. To Lee’s Family
    Please accept my condolences for your loss. I worked with Lee at Borg Warner for many years. I spoke with him daily and was always a pleasure to talk with and know. Please accepts my prayers for your family.

  16. Lee was an all around great guy. He loved the Lord & gladly, showed the world by example. He touched so many lives and never even realized it! Lee was a wonderful father! What a reunion that took place in heaven on Monday!! Lee, his boys & our heavenly father, I can only imagine!! Recently, Lee thanked me for sending ‘Rascal’ his way. Always so gracious and not taking anything for granted, he wanted me to know, what a great pup & companion Rascal had been for 12yrs and counting. I know that Lee loved Rascal….but one thing for sure….Rascal, myself & everyone who was blessed to know Lee ….we were the lucky ones! Until we meet again, my sweet friend. To Natalie, Jackie, Nancy & family…I am praying for peace, understanding & comfort that only our heavenly father can give. Love to you all….

  17. Nancy my hear goes out to you and your family. I cannot imagine what you are going thru. I am so sorry for this tragedy. Lift your head my sweet cousin God will help bring you through it. Love you and your family. Praying for you

  18. Nancy so sorry for your loss. To be absent from this body to be present with the Lord. God give to you and your family strength to make it through this and the days ahead. Love you

  19. Jackie, Nancy, & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you today, and in the days and weeks ahead. You have no idea what you meant to our dad. He always called you his best friend. So thankful for family, and so thankful for the change that GOD makes in a family. “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the LORD.” This is not the end. There will be a glad reunion in heaven.
    Our love to you all, The family of Hugh & Catherine McMinn – Cat, Rachel Conard, Glenda Sass, & Verlyn Owenby

  20. Never got to know Lee but wgat I’ve read he was a great person and a great Dad. My prayers are with you…

  21. May God comfort your hearts at this time. We are praying for the family. Diane Hoffman and family

  22. Jackie and family, words are not enough to explain how we all feel about this. Its bittersweet, no doubt you will see Lee again in Heaven. I pray for you all at this time. Mark E. Sizemore

  23. Its so hard to see a loved one pass on to Heaven,,but we all must go someday..Lee’s life was cut short,but know that he is rejoicing ,happy,,,and one day we will see him again..that is a promise from our Father..I pray God will send comfort to Natalie,and the boys..Jackie,Nancy,and family..and help them get thru this..its not an easy road to travel,and he will be greatly missed..God bless..Love to all..Gloria Bishop

  24. I am so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Lee was an inspiration for us all and I have missed him since leaving my Reman BW family. Lee was always smiling and one of the few who actually enjoyed road trips with me to places like NYC. To his wonderful family, please accept my deepest condolences.

  25. Our hearts go out to you. We love you. We are praying for your hearts to be conforted by our precious Lord.

  26. To Natalie, Lee’s parents , to Allen and Nathan and all the friends and family. My heart is very heavy for all of you as you grieve the loss of Lee. May you find comfort in knowing that Lee is with the one who he knew as his Savior. He has a perfect body, walking streets of gold . But for those of you left here to grieve for him, my prayer is that you find peace and comfort that only our Lord can give you. Cherish all the memories and rest assured you will see Lee again . Until then it’s not good by, but I’ll see you in the morning by the bright river side.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  27. Our deepest condolences as you go through these darkest of times prayers are being sent your way

  28. Jackie and family.
    There are no words to express how very sorry we are to learn of your son’s passing!!
    May God comfort you and your family. Ours thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Love in Christ.
    Vick and Elsie (Humphrey) Whitley

  29. Lee always had a smile and made me feel at ease when I saw him. He was a truly good person. His kindness and openness are traits for us all to strive to emulate. I am glad he was saved. He is not gone, he is simply not physically with us in the present. His good and gentle soul lives and I look forward to seeing him again.

  30. Jackie, Nancy, Shannon & Brooke we are sorry for your loss but we are praying for you and we have the promise to see Lee again one day. Natile and the boys please know we are praying for you also. If we can ever help any of you please call on us. Lee was a good, christian person and he will be missed by so many. Glad I got to see him a couple months back and catch up on life and family a little, I will miss his daily Facebook Bible posts that were such an encouragement. Gone but not forgotten.
    Chris & Joyce Maggert

  31. Jackie, Nancy, Shannon, Brooke, Natalie and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Lee. I consider myself privileged to have grown up with him as a neighbor, as he was a wonderful classmate and childhood playmate. You raised him right. He grew up into a solid, Godly husband and son and we will miss him. I’m thankful to know we will see him again one day! Until then, I will be praying for God’s comfort, that only he can give. Hugs to you all and let us know if you need anything. We will always be, right down the road.
    Love,
    Tamara and Teigan Styles

  32. Lee, I will definitely think of you at least once every day. You always had something good and positive to say. Thank you my friend, for always being nice to me.
    “See ya Lee, thank you my friend”.

  33. I am sorry Lee had to go and if you need anything I am here to help God Bless you and the family

  34. I had the pleasure of meeting Lee in grade school. He has always had the biggest heart. Heaven sure gained a wonderful angel. Praying God will keep his arms around his family and friends during this time of sorrow. Lee will always be with you now he is with you all the time. RIP Lee

  35. My God, you always said you would be with me in the darkest times, why have you forsaken me? My child when you only saw one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you. I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious son. Loving you and praying for you.

  36. Praying for the family and friends. It was much too soon, but I think God had bigger plans for Lee. I hope the family can take solace in what a wonderful example he has been. I’ll miss seeing his updates on FB. Much love from my family.

  37. Natalie,
    Matt and I are sorry for your loss. True love is so hard to find and you and Lee were perfect for each other. God love you and keep you. Thinking of you

  38. Dear Jackie & Nancy,
    Although I did not know Lee, I have known you both over the years, and I know he truly was a wonderful son, and he is now in heaven with Jesus. And someday soon we will all be together with him up there, what a blessed day that will be. Love & hugs to you both now and always,
    Shirley Bailey Smith

  39. Nancy and Family,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

    Pat Lewis Trotter


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