Gerald W. “Jerry” Pryor, 87, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Sunday, November 11, 2018, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at Central United Methodist Church in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Wright and the Rev. B.J. Funk officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.
Mr. Pryor was born August 3, 1931, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late James Jarratt “J.J.” & Catherine Wilcox Pryor. He was a 1948 graduate of Georgia Military Academy and earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War era. Mr. Pryor worked for newspapers in Swainsboro and Milledgeville and was part-owner of a newspaper in Wrightsville. He returned home to Fitzgerald in 1959, where he purchased The Herald. Several years later, he purchased The Leader and merged the two publications. He served as publisher and editor of The Fitzgerald Herald & Leader until his retirement in 1996.
Mr. Pryor was a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts and received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Fitzgerald, where he was a member for many years. He also served as President of the Georgia Press Association. Jerry had an adventurous life. He was run over by a train, chased by a bear, and practically drowned in the ocean. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many activities such as water and snow skiing, SCUBA diving, and piloting his airplane. He was also known to enjoy riding his motorcycle. He was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church and held many leadership positions.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie H. Pryor of Fitzgerald; children and their spouses: Gerald H. Pryor & Maritza of Douglas, Rebecca Pryor Anderson & Tim of Fitzgerald, and James Jarratt Pryor, II & Brenda of Bethlehem; daughter-in-law, Malinda West Pryor of Columbus; 11 grandchildren: Jerry Pryor & Lauren, Dr. Leslie McIntosh & Andrew, John Pryor, West Pryor & Merritt, Dr. Russell Pryor & Lisa, Owen Pryor, Tomek Sulkowski, Katie Ruth NeSmith & Josh, Addison Pryor, Corbin Pryor, and Elizabeth Pryor; six great-grandchildren; two step-sons, Cal Miller & Kathleen of Macon and Jeff Miller & Taylor of Athens; three step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Johnston Pryor; a son, Gibson Johnston Pryor; a brother, Dr. James Jarratt Pryor, Jr.; and two sisters: Louise Elizabeth “Betty” Pryor and Anna May Cobb.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 428, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.