Henry Andrew Prillaman, Jr. died on November 29, 2024 at the age of 87. Andy was born in Roanoke, Virginia on February 22,1937, the son of Louise Coleman and Henry Andrew Prillaman. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1954 and received his BS degree from Hampden Sydney College in 1958. Later that summer, he married Joanne Swink of Carlowville, Alabama, his wife of 66 years.
As newlyweds, Joanne and Andy moved to Richmond where Andy entered the Medical College of Virginia. Following graduation, he served an internship and one year of residency in internal medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at The University of Virginia in 1970 and moved with his family to Newport News where he joined Peninsula Orthopedic Associates. He practiced orthopedic surgery for over 25 years and took great pride in the care he delivered. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Andy enjoyed traveling. Over the years, he and Joanne were fortunate to share many trips together, as well as with family and friends, to destinations all over the world. His passion for skiing, which developed while living in Vermont, was a lifelong pleasure taking them to Europe and the American West. Andy enthusiastically included his children and grandchildren in annual ski vacations to Vail, Colorado. He was also an avid tennis player enjoying the sport for most of his life with his wife, family and friends.
In his retirement, Andy became an enthusiastic woodworker, enrolling in woodworking schools all over the country to develop and hone specific skills and techniques. He had an extensive workshop in his garage and crafted exquisite pieces, largely 18th century reproductions, that demonstrated exceptional joinery and intricate inlay. His many creations are works of art and are cherished by his children.
Andy’s pursuit of knowledge and ability to retain and recall details were remarkable. The family frequently came to him with questions on a variety of topics and were never disappointed with his thorough, accurate and colorful answers. His storytelling and sense of humor will be missed by family and friends.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Joanne, his daughter, Katherine Brundage (Dan), of Carmel, Indiana and his son, Henry Prillaman (Christy) of Newport News. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Grace Ignozzi (Anthony) of Charlottesville, Virginia, William Prillaman of New York, New York, Caroline and Jack Brundage, both of Carmel, Indiana. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Joe Swink (Alice) of Selma Alabama.
Funeral arrangements will be provided by Peninsula Funeral Home. Services will be private. The family will host a reception at James River Country Club at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lackey Clinic 1620 Old Williamsburg Road Yorktown, VA 23690 757-886-0608; lackeyclinic.org or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 45 Main Street Newport News, VA 23601 757-595-0371; standrews-episcopal.org
