Howard Pratt was born at his home in Grafton, West Virginia on June 3, 1935. He graduated from Grafton High School on May 30, 1953, and then went to work for B&O Railroad in October that same year. He transferred to Baltimore, Maryland in 1975. His job was a machinist until May 30, 1997 when he retired from Chessie Seaboard Company Transportation (CSXT).

Howard bought a 1966 Chevelle convertible in 2000, and completely restored it by 2001. He enjoys going to car shows and cruise nights with fellow car owner friends.