Prentis Lamar Simpson, Jr.

Prentis was born in Ruston, Louisiana on March 31, 1946. He graduated from Ruston High School in 1964 and entered the Navy on August 24, 1965. After completing his basic training, he attended the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, GA where he was trained in supply management, accounting and disbursing, logistics, Navy regulations and procedures, and was exposed to hands on training in simulated environments to apply theoretical knowledge.

After completing training Prentis was assigned to the USS Saratoga (CVA 60), a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier. As a Forrestal-class supercarrier, she was one of the first of her kind, designed to operate jet aircraft.

On May 23, 1969, Prentis was released from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserve at U.S. Naval Station, Mayport, FL where he finished out his Navy commitment.

Prentis married Lynne Bivins in 1977. They met through CB radio, which adds a charming touch to their story. Sadly, Lynne passed away in January 2022.