Gary Wayne Pryor
Gary Wayne Pryor, 73, of Palmyra, MO peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024 with family by his side. He was at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, MO.
A celebration of life will be held on December 21, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at Nations’ Family Church, 2201 Locust St., Quincy, IL, 62301. Visitation will be from 9:00 until 11:00 at the church.
Gary was born on February 4, 1951 in Quincy, Illinois. He was the son Weldon and Norma Pryor. He is a 1969 graduate of Palmyra High School. He attended Hannibal LaGrange College before being drafted into the United States Army in May of 1971. He served during the Vietnam War at Machinato Base in Okinawa, Japan. Gary was a personal chauffeur for a Colonel and did clerical work until May of 1973.
After Gary returned from the service, he went to work at Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad on the track department. He later transferred into the train service as a conductor. He worked on the railroad for 39 years, retiring in 2016.
Gary enjoyed playing baseball/softball, bowling and mushroom hunting. He was known for his BBQ chicken and pork steaks on his Weber grill. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, camping and spending time with his grandchildren in the backyard playing games and swimming in the pool. Gary was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Gary married Elaine Swisher in Philadelphia, Mo, April 18, 1975, who survives. He is also survived by daughters, Erin (Doug) Stout of New London, Mo, Kenley (Nathan) Hathaway of Philadelphia, Mo; grandchildren, Dylan Stout (USAF) stationed in Las Vegas, NV, Payton Hays, Kennedy Hathaway and Estes Hathaway of Philadelphia, Mo; one brother, Terry (Jodi) Pryor of Hannibal and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Weldon and Norma (Clifford) Pryor, paternal grandparents, Marion and Grace (Benzel) Pryor and maternal grandparents, Vallie and Freda (Masters) Clifford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Philadelphia Cemetery or Nations Family Church.
Arnold Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
