Mr. Fred William Pratt, 87, died Thursday, May 15, 2014. 

The oldest of seven children, he was born May 1, 1927, in Surry County to the late Rufus Sidney and Lela Parker Pratt. He graduated from Courtney High School at age 16, an honorable accomplishment for the son of a tobacco farmer. At age 17, he convinced his parents to allow him to join the Merchant Marines, where he did two tours of duty. In 1953, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and was stationed in Killen, Texas with the Signal Corp. Upon returning home, he and his brother John opened a radio repair shop. He later responded to an ad in the local paper looking for someone with radio experience. This sent him into a 20-year career with the CIA. It was here that he had the opportunity to visit more than 20 countries which included a stateside appointment at the Pentagon. Upon retiring from the CIA, he served as magistrate for 13 years in Davie County. He remained a staunch Republican his whole life and ran for the N.C. House of Representatives 30th District, Davie and Davidson counties. Upon retirement, he spent most of his time at his mountain house in Hillsville, Va.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, John. 

Survivors: the love of his life to whom he was married Sept. 2, 1950, Mary Eloise Mitchell Pratt; children, Suzy Bennett and Scott (Janice) Pratt; 4 grandchildren, Justin and Cameron Bennett and Saxon and Rikki Pratt; and 5 siblings, Dorrell Pratt, Gaynell Hollar, Charlotte Norris, Retha Whittaker and Bruce Pratt.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25 at Eaton Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Glenn Sellers officiating. Military honors will be conducted. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. 

Memorials: Hospice/Palliative CareCenter, 377 Hospital St., Ste. 103, Mocksville.

Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.