Pratt, Arlis (Freeman)

Arlis (Freeman) Pratt, of Salem, Va., passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mullins and Alma Pratt; his brothers, Ivan, Hubert, Aldon, Melvin, Lenford and Clinton Pratt; and his sisters, Wilma Hubbard and Christine Bower.

Freeman proudly served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War and then served until 1956 in the Army Reserves. Retired in 1992 from John Hancock Steel, he was a very quiet man whose actions spoke louder than words. He was always there to help his family, friends and neighbors. He loved the outdoors and he loved to piddle in his workshop and is perhaps best noted for his mastery of woodworking as evidenced by numerous grandfather clocks and furniture in family and friend’s homes. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Rosie Pratt; his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Marie Pratt; daughter, Sharon Pratt; grandson and granddaughter, Joshua and Amber Pratt; brother and sisters-in-law, Lawton and Helen Pratt, Mary Pratt, and Violet Pratt; sisters and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Paul Gunter, Mary P. Buckner, and Pauline Poff; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by beloved cat (daughter), Skittles; and grand-kitties, Belle and Jingles. Flowers are appreciated, however memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society . Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2010, in Gardner Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Red Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 29,2010, at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd, Va. Online condolences may be sent to www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.