Willard Edwin Pretlow, PhD transitioned from this earthly life to be with the Lord on February 12, 2025, at his home in Norfolk, Virginia. He dedicated his life in service to God and generosity to his family, community, and country.

Willard was born on May 13, 1947, in Norfolk, Virginia to Zenobia "Dee" Geraldine Pretlow and the late Willie "Bill" Cornelius Perry. He spent his early childhood in the presence of his loving grandparents in Berkley (Norfolk) and Bells Mill (Chesapeake).  Willard later moved with his mother and younger brothers, Ronnie and Benny, to New York City. From an early age, Willard showed an aptitude for mechanics and mathematics, which was nurtured by his uncle and grandfather. While attending Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, NY, he joined the Civil Air Patrol.

His experience with this program prepared him for his first career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. Willard bravely and selflessly served his country from 1967-1983, including flying 625 combat missions in Vietnam between 1969 and 1970. He earned several accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, for his heroism and aerial abilities and was a Chief Warrant Officer 3 when he completed his term of service. Before joining the Army, Willard married his first wife. During their marriage, they had two children: D'Allen and Sheree.

After his military service, Willard moved back to Norfolk, where he pursued his bachelor's studies in business at Norfolk State University. It was in a class there that he met the love of his life, Jennifer Jones of Norfolk. They married and welcomed their first child, Amanda, in 1989. Two years later, Rachel, a second daughter of their union, was born. For a short time, Willard also helped care for Jennifer's nephew, Allen.

Willard accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12. Throughout his life he continued to serve the Lord in various offices:  a preacher, teacher, and worshipper. Willard sang on the church worship team and assisted in hands-on prayer and deliverance ministry. He became an ordained pastor, and one of  his greatest joys came from teaching and sharing the Word and the goodness of God.

Although Willard faced many personal challenges related to what he experienced at war, he instilled in his family the importance of faith, education, and service. He received his MBA from Troy University in 2005 and his PhD in Behavioral Economics from Walden University in 2018. Willard was also active in programs to support children, including serving as PTA president, leading activities in aviation education, and working for several non-profits that invested in positive youth development.

During the last years of his life, while he was battling illness, Willard remained hopeful and rooted in his faith. He prayed and studied the Bible devotedly, especially finding comfort in Romans, Chapter 8. He also directed his energy into building a flight simulator at his home, where he continued to keep his mind active while exploring his favorite place: the sky.

Willard leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 35 years, Jennifer Pretlow of Norfolk, VA; one son, D'Allen Pretlow of Fayetteville, NC three daughters, Sheree Fashaw of Fayetteville, NC Amanda (Rodarius) Shakur of Paducah, KY, and Rachel Pretlow of Norfolk, VA; his mother, Dee Pretlow of Norfolk, VA; one brother, Ronnie Pretlow of Hampton, VA; as well as numerous siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and other relatives.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11am at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home in Chesapeake.

You can join the service livestream at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons