Dwayne Kreis Pratt, of Oviedo, Florida, passed away on July 6, 2023. Dwayne was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on February 7, 1953, where he grew up and graduated from Central High School, moving on to attend the University of Tennessee. His family submitted this announcement:
Dwayne’s joy came from his family and friends. He loved his children and loved spending time with them and sharing photos of “what was for dinner.” He loved traveling, trying new things and sitting on the beach. In earlier years, he enjoyed volunteering at the Central Florida Zoo as a docent, where he facilitated learning opportunities with the animals, birds of prey and reptiles. He loved all sports, especially those played by his beloved University of Tennessee.
Being the “Foodie” that he was, he started a life in the restaurant industry, studying different types of cuisine, in different states. Dwayne prevailed as a chef and restaurateur, opening Colorado’s Prime Steak in 1992 and who recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. In 2018, Colorado’s Prime Steak was voted “Reader’s Choice Best Steakhouse in Sanford” by the My Sanford Magazine.
Dwayne is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry Pratt and Edna Sue Dunlap Prat; his brother, Dennis Pratt; and wife Lydia Kelly Pratt.
Dwayne is survived by his best friend and wife of six years, Gigi Hunnicutt Pratt.
His children Emily Pratt, Kelly Pratt, Brandon Smith and Miranda Hunnicutt and her family. Sister-in-law Wilma Pratt, Jason Pratt and Aimee Pratt-Smith. He is also survived by the amazing staff at Colorado’s whom he loved and treated as family. His friends The Mystic Knights, The Bad Neighbors and the tons of regulars who made their way into his heart, as he did theirs.
Dwayne will be remembered for his passion for life, the helping hand he extended to those in need, incredible business smarts, his amazing skill of making bows and the love he shared with his best friend and wife, Gigi. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him.