Suffolk – Joshua H. Pretlow, Sr., 92, of the 200 block of Purple Martin Lane, passed away at Maryview Hospital, Monday, April 18, 2011. He was born on April 8, 1919, to the late Eward M Pretlow Pretlow and Rosa Hill Pretlow in Surry County, Virginia. He served in the US Army, and was a World War II veteran. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Base after 36 years of service and chauffeured buses for 30 years.

He was predeceased by his wife of sixty-five years, Lucille E. Doxey-Pretlow, his daughters, Charlotte M. Pretlow-Benson and Portia Y. Pretlow. Survivors include six sons, Joshua Pretlow, Jr., and Anthony Pretlow of Chesapeake, Edward Pretlow of Norfolk, Larry Pretlow (Brenda) of Hampton, David Pretlow of Chesapeake and Michael Pretlow (Michelle); one daughter, Teresa Pretlow-Bond of Suffolk; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral will be held noon Saturday at Second Calvary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Viewing will be held Friday from 3pm – 7 pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 5-7pm. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.petrlowandsons.com .