Stuart Thompson Pratt

Rural Retreat, VA

Stuart Thompson Pratt, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, February 25, 2024. Stuart the only son of the late Marion Thompson Pratt and Nina Kate Buchanan Pratt of Rich Valley, was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Child of God, and friend to all. Simultaneously humble and bigger than life, he made all he knew feel like they were the most important person in the world.

Stuart graduated from Rich Valley High School and kept in touch with many of his classmates. He graduated from Hiwassee College and earned a BS and Masters Degrees from Virginia Tech in Animal Science. He served in the United States Army.

Stuart had a big heart, worked as hard as anybody you would ever meet, loved hard, and never met a stranger. Farming was his lifeline. Never was he happier than to be roaming the hills of the farm, taking a nap under a big oak tree, or leaning against a fence post talking shop with another farmer. He never needed a lot of equipment, due to the help of his faithful farmhands, his four sons. The land was his happy place.

Stuart is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dreama Spence Pratt. She was the love of his life, and he often called her his angel from Heaven. Dreama devoted her time to caring for Stuart as his Parkinson's disease progressed. His four sons brought him great joy and pride; Todd Pratt (Monique), Tim Pratt (Carrie), James Pratt (Sherri) and Stephen Pratt (Angel). His grandchildren were his pride and joy; Brigette, Melissa, Spencer, Anna Kate, Ella Kate, Teagan, and Conner Pratt, and Emma and Eli Atwell. Completing the circle are his sisters, Marion Griffin, Eleanor Wassum, Linda DiYorio (John), and Jane Clark. Stuart never completed a phone call without telling his family he loved them.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SWVA 4-H Educational Center, 25236 Hillman Hwy, Abingdon, VA, 24210.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Stuart Thompson Pratt will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Rural Retreat Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastors Rusty Cregger, Roger Cregger, Danny Montgomery officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 6 until 7 p.m. prior to the service.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Ridgedale Cemetery in Rich Valley, VA with Dr. John DiYorio officiating. Military rites will be rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard. The family will also be receiving friends at Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville, VA, from 12:30 until 1:30 prior to the procession to the cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stuart Thompson Pratt.