Raymond A. Pryor (Ray) went to meet his Lord suddenly Friday, February 24, 2023.
The world gained a light when Ray was born on December 26, 1954 to the late Raymond E. and N. Imogene (Tyo) Pryor.
Ray married the love of his life, Jennifer Parsons, on September 13, 1975, who survives. He is also survived by their daughter, Leslie Smith and son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Kaylyn Pryor. Ray especially loved watching his 6 grandchildren grow and learn from auctions and sporting events to restoring tractors and farming. Grandchildren include Gavin, Braiden, Madelyn and Clayton Smith, Graeme and Annika Pryor.
Ray is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Stewart, sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Earl Palmer, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Karen and Tim Hall, uncle Bill (Bev) Tyo, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends Jim and Anne Campbell also survive.
Ray was preceded in death by a twin brother Richard E. Pryor, two sisters, Betty (Tony) Griggs, Kathy (Darrell) Atwood, father and mother-in-law Alvin G and Madelyn Parsons, and brothers-in-law, Greg Parsons, Benny Parsons, and Larry Stewart; special friends Dennis Simpson and Bill Kuhner.
Ray never knew a stranger and never met someone he wouldn’t help. He joined the US Navy upon graduating from Huntington High School in 1973. A true American patriot, he served on the USS Chicago, home ported in San Diego, California. Upon completing his military service, Ray went to work for the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services as a Veteran’s Representative until his “retirement” in 2004. Ray worked tirelessly to help local veterans in need throughout his life. He was a co-founder of South-Central Homeless Veterans, Veteran’s in Transition, and Ross County Veteran’s Council. He was a member of AMVETS, DAV, American Legion, VVA, VFW, Ross County Veterans Council, VITI, and 40Et8. Ray’s service reached the state house as the State Representative of the 85th District of the 128th Ohio General Assembly.
Ray was a member of Bethel Chapel. He actively testified that he loved his life and had all he could ever dream. He lived life to the fullest and loved his family deeply.
The family would like to thank all of those who have called, stopped by or sent a message, the Huntington Township Fire Dept. and Adena ER for their quick response and care.
Throughout Ray’s 68 years, he touched more lives than most could dream. The world lost a servant when the Lord called him home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the 40et8 Voiture 43 to assist with nurses training (100 Harvestwood Drive, Chillicothe), where Raymond often helped with the Fish Stand in Yoctangee Park or Veterans in Transitions (17273 State Route 104, Chillicothe), where Raymond was a founder to assist veterans in need.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Gary Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Guard. Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.