Henry Carlton "Footsie" Pratt

Henry Carlton Pratt, known as “Footsie,” passed away on October 30th, at the age of 78, surrounded by friends and family at his lake home in Washington County, Va. He was from a family of ten children and was the last surviving child of H.O. and Hattie Pratt of Rosedale, Va. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judge Susan Bundy. “Footsie” is survived by his loving wife, Ann Pratt; two daughters, Abbey Pratt and husband John Coleman, and Megan Pratt Scott and husband Clayton Scott; two granddaughters, Andie Cait Coleman and Scarlett Jane Scott; and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Russell County, Va, “Footsie” was a self-made businessman who wrangled land deals throughout the region for more than 60 years. He began his entrepreneurial career by trading marbles and knives in elementary and high school at Elk Garden and Lebanon. His business ventures included purchasing the Snodgrass Farm and The Oaks Motel and Restaurant in Rosedale. He built and operated the Carriage House Motel and Restaurant in Lebanon. In Washington County, he bought and restored “The Meadows” (the historic Motley farm now owned by Food City) in the 1980’s, later selling it to Jim Brown. He lived on the property for 22 years while raising his children on the magnificent farm. “Footsie” orchestrated many political events and parties held at “The Meadows” over the years.

He was the owner and operator the the Tri-State Livestock Market, Inc., and ACME Stone Quarry. He once purchased a hospital in Myrtle Beach, later selling it and its contents to a nursing home. He purchased property in Bristol, Tenn., which later sold to Steve Johnson for the development of the Pinnacle Shopping Center. He also purchased the land which was later developed into the Short Pump Town Center in West Richmond, Va.

“Footsie” was a man of his word and made many of his trades with a firm handshake in order to “seal the deal.” He had integrity and was unwavering in his convictions. He never met a stranger and could light up a room with his upbeat personality and infectious laugh. He had a strong work ethic and was a true teacher of how we should live life to its fullest.

A graveside service was held at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon, Va. at 3:00 p.m., October 31, 2017 with Jake Schrum, President of Emory & Henry College, officiating.

A celebration of his life will be held at his Rosedale home on Saturday, November 4 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

“Footsie” was an avid supporter of Elk Garden Methodist Church, Emory & Henry College, Virginia Highlands Community College, the Barter Theatre, the Boy Scouts, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and Feeding America Southwest Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of these organizations.

Those wishing to share memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Henry Carlton Pratt, known as “Footsie”, is in the care of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276)623-2700.