William Arthur Pritchard

William Arthur Pritchard (Bill) age 89, of Camellia at Deerwood, 10061, Sweetwater Pkwy. Jacksonville, FL. 32256, was called Home, early morning on Wed., October 3rd, 2018. Formerly they lived in Johnson City, NY, Endwell, NY, Spring Valley, NY. and retired to North Myrtle Beach, SC. He is survived by Jeanette Dingman Pritchard, his loving wife of 68 years; three terrific sons : Gary (Kate) , David (Lisa) and Daniel (Anna) Pritchard; seven grandchildren : Todd, Scott and Sean Pritchard; Jaime and Laura Pritchard and Samantha (Jonathan) Crouch and Nicole Pritchard; sister and brother in-law, Norma and Harold Beam, many nieces and nephews and special cousin, Barbara Barnes. Bill was predeceased by his parents. John R and Jennie (Jane) Johnson Pritchard and brother John R. Pritchard, Jr.

When Bill was 12 yrs.old he showed an interest in going to church camp. He and his buddy, Gordon Lewis, attended the LeTourneau Christian Camp on Canandaigua Lake, near Rochester, NY. To cover their cost to stay, they white-washed the picket fencing that encircled this large camp thus working every summer during those early years doing various jobs. When of age, he became a certified life guard advancing each summer. His last year the executive manager was sent to war and Bill was asked to take his responsibility of running the camp that summer. He played varsity basketball and football while attending Johnson City High School earning a four-letter sweater.

His first employment after graduating was with the Engineering Dept. of the village of Johnson City, NY, when a friend from one of the church athletic teams called Bill to see if he still pitched softball. He invited him to join IBM and play on their team. He jumped at the opportunity. Bill worked for IBM for 37 years, advancing from mail boy to Director of Manufacturing. Sports were Bill’s fun along with refereeing and coaching youth at our church. Bill and Jeanette were active members in the Ocean Dr. Presbyterian Church and sang in the different church choirs for over 35 years and enjoyed tennis and golf and were members of the Surf Golf and Beach Club.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 3.00 P.M in the Sanctuary on second floor of their retirement home, Camellia at Deerwood, 10061 Sweetwater Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Preschool or the Choir Fund at the Ocean Dr. Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 277, North Myrtle Beach SC 29597 or the charity of your choice.