Arlis Freeman Pratt

December 28, 1928 - April 27, 2010

Arlis (Freeman) Pratt, of Salem, 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; his sisters Wilma Hubbard and Christine Bower. Freeman proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-53 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, Violet Pratt; sisters and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Paul Gunter, Mary P. Buckner, and Pauline Poff; and several nieces and nephews. 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 at 11 AM on Friday, April 30 in Gardner Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow at Red Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday, April 29, at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd, VA. Online condolences may be sent to www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.

Sharon, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. Please remember all of the wonderful times you shared with your father and keep those memories close to your heart.

Sharon, May God's hand surround you and your family with peace and love and may you find comfort in your memories.

So very sorry for your loss. May wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time of grief and adjustment and may you feel God wrap his loving arms around you in comfort.

Randy and Family, We would like to express our sincere sympathy to you and your family, and let you know we are thinking of you.

Sharon - having just gone through this with the loss of my daughter, I completely understand the wide range of emotions you're feeling. I know that you'll always carry with you all of the fond memories you made with your dad throughout your lives together. I never met him, but know he must have been a special man to have made you the person who you are. Please feel free to call me any time just to talk. Your friend, Paul

To Sharon and her family; My thoughts and prayers have been that our loving creator comfort you during this difficult time. Death is our enemy and we look to time when as the bible says "God will swallow up death forever" but until that time comes we comfort each other the best we can which always never seems to be good enough in our own eyes. My prayers will continue for you and you know I will always be here for you in any way I can. Your friend Rhonda.