Maynard Pratt Valentine

Maynard Pratt Valentine passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14th after a brave year-long battle with cancer. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Pratt Boyd, and her husband, Edwin, and his father Corbin Braxton Valentine, Jr. and his wife Robin. He is survived by his brother, Corbin Braxton Valentine III (Anne), his sisters, Elizabeth Valentine Patton (Jay), and Lindsay Valentine Chambliss (John), half-sister Robin Valentine, and stepsister Sarah Valentine as well as 4 nieces, 6 nephews, and 8 great nephews.

Pratt graduated from the Blue Ridge School, where he was a three-sport athlete, a Member of the Honor Council, and a Prefect - the highest level of student leadership a young man can achieve at Blue Ridge. After high school, Pratt had a great interest in the United States Military, which led him to Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, from which he graduated in 1986.

The cornerstone of Pratt's adult life was his long career as a United States Marine. Beginning as an enlisted man, Pratt's career spanned 25 years, concluding with his Honorary Discharge for meritorious service in 2014 with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his service, Pratt had the opportunity to serve in several units, travel the world and meet four American Presidents. In retirement, nothing made Pratt prouder than to wear military regalia to formal events and celebrations, a clear sign of his devotion to his country and his values.

Pratt was a patron of several Marine Corps causes as well as the Blue Ridge School and Norwich University alumni associations. He is also celebrated as a winner of the Blue Ridge School's Alumnus of the Year Award, an honor he shares with just 29 other BRS graduates.

A graveside service with full military honors will held on the campus of Blue Ridge School, followed by a reception to celebrate a life well lived at 11:00 am on July 12, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. James’s Episcopal Church Richmond, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Pratt’s family wishes to thank his caregivers; Bruce, Latoi, Shakera, Lena, and Vanessa for their loving care of Pratt during his courageous battle.