William Pryor

William V. (“Willie) Pryor, 87, of Smyrna, NY, passed on to the next leg of his spirit’s journey March 20, 2013 at the New York State Veteran’s Home in Oxford.

Born in 1925, in Opelika, Alabama, Willie was the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Pryor. He lived many years in Dorchester, MA, before making his permanent home in Smyrna. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Leedstown APA-56 during WWII, served in the Pacific Campaign as a landing craft operator, and also assisted with medical needs on the beaches. He participated in every major battle from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Harbor, including Iwo Jima, Saipan, Guadaul Canal, Marshall and Philippines Islands. Upon his honorable discharge, Willie became a skilled machinist for many years until his retirement. He was a simple man who often expressed the need to protect the natural environment.

William was predeceased by his wife, Rosemary Francis Pryor, who died in June 2001 after a marriage of 49 years. He is survived by his two sons, William J. Pryor, of Smyrna, and Edward R. Pryor, also of Smyrna. Willie is also survived by a grandson, Matthew Nakoa Pryor, of Brooklyn, and a nephew, Geronimo Pryor and family, of New Hampshire.

To honor Willie’s wishes, a simple graveside service to commemorate his life and journey will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013, at West Hill Cemetery in Sherburne, where the Rev. Randy Sheldon will officiate.

Donations in Willie’s memory may be made to The Wolf Mountain Nature Center, 562 Hopkins Crandall Road, Smyrna, NY 13464.