Francis Dennis Pryor, Jr.

Francis Dennis Pryor, Jr. peacefully entered the kingdom of heaven on September 1st, 2024. Born in Albany, GA on July 30th, 1929, Denny was raised in Leslie, GA, helped his daddy with peanut farming and pecan orchard maintenance, and loved hunting and fishing. Following his proud service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, Denny entered Georgia Tech, graduating with a degree in business management, and began his life as the world’s biggest Tech fan. He was president of the Gamma Tau chapter of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, making life-long friends, and later becoming a Diamond Owl for his 75 years as a Phi Gam brother. He loved all things Georgia Tech and, even in his twilight years, the Tech fight song and a quick ‘TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!’ would perk him up. While in Atlanta after graduation and juggling a career in sales, Denny met the love of his life – the firecracker who would change his life forever, Alice Sutherland. They started their beautiful 65-year journey together in 1957. With three children in tow (Mary Alice, Amy and Dennis), Denny was transferred to Los Angeles in 1973 purchasing a home with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. A beloved caboose (Helen) joined the family, now complete as a power six. In 1979, they were transferred to Chicago where they stayed for over twenty years. Denny loved raising roses, working in his wood shop and playing golf. Denny and Alice retired to Jefferson City, TN, Alice’s home town, where they ended their days with a magestic view of the Smoky Mountains. Denny was easily overcome by emotion, especially when he pondered the many blessings of his life, particularly the blessings of his family – both his extended Pryor family in South Georgia and beyond, and his immediate family – children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Denny loved to read, debate, sing, polish silver, play bridge and poker, and putter around. He played his last round of golf in his 90s and only because the pandemic slowed him down. He mostly loved being with his family and welcomed any grandbaby onto his lap to clip their fingernails, read a book or play pattycake. He was a true patriot, wrote a poem about the American flag and is buried with the flag that was flown in his honor over the U.S. Capitol on the occasion of his 90th birthday. He would be thrilled. Denny is predeceased by his beloved wife, Alice Sutherland Pryor, his parents, Francis Dennis Pryor, Sr. and Letitia Stallings Pryor, and his sister Letty Stallings Pryor. He is survived by his children Mary Alice Lyon (Bruce) of Wilmette, IL, Amy Pryor Colton (Overton) of Nashville, TN, Francis Dennis Pryor III (Val) of Raleigh, NC, and Helen Pryor Arnold (Stephen) of Knoxville, TN. He was Granddaddy to 14 grandchildren who adored him – Will Kirkman Colton (Alexis) of Lancaster, MA, Francis Dennis Pryor IV (Jamie) of Raleigh, Jesse Overton Colton, Jr. of Nashville, Amy Pryor Lyon of Chicago, Adam Lawrence Pryor of Los Angeles, Andrew Pryor Colton (Lauren) of Houston, Ian James Pryor of Raleigh, Bruce Walter Lyon, Jr. (Mari) of Chicago, Mary Elizabeth Colton of Nashville, Margaret Helen Lyon of Chicago, Ross Sutherland Pryor of Wellington, FL, Stephen Grady Arnold, Jr. of Knoxville, Alice Kathleen Arnold of Knoxville, and Pryor James Arnold of Knoxville. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren – Julius Alexander Colton and Patricia Naomi Colton of Lancaster, MA and Sarah Elizabeth Colton of Houston. A special thanks to Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley and Cornerstone Sitters for the loving care they provided in the final days of Denny’s long life. Denny will be buried where his story began, in DeSoto, GA, September 19th with a visitation at DeSoto Church at 3:00pm followed by a burial at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City, TN at 721 Church Street, Jefferson City, TN 37760 or the charity of your choice.

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Francis Dennis Pryor, Jr.

July 30, 1929 - September 1, 2024