Francis Marion Pryor Jr

Francis Marion Pryor, Jr.

May 1, 1928. —  November 3, 2017

Once again a member of the greatest generation has left this earthly life.  Most of his family and friends believe he has entered his heavenly reward to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Whom he served since age 37.

He was the second of three sons born to Lola (Turnipseed) and Francis Marion Pryor, Sr. In Indianapolis, IN on May 1, 1928.  As a “Junior” it was decided that his parents would call him “Francis” while his father was normally called Frank”.  As Francis proceeded into his professional life, he was usually called “Frank.” At a young age he vowed he would never inflict the confusion of “Senior-Junior” on his own sons.

Almost immediately he was a child of the Great Depression.  He attended so many Indianapolis Public Schools that we lost track of which ones they were.  He did apply himself at Washington High School so that he graduated early.  Whereupon he joined the U.S. Navy, but not without first getting his parents’ consent.  He somewhat followed in his older brother’s footsteps.  Carl Pryor was an Army airborne rescue medic in the Pacific Theater of Wold War II.  Francis trained as a Navy Medic. As the hostilities were winding down, he elected to serve in Navy Hospitals as a Pharmacist Mate, 3rd Class.

During one of his leaves, he returned home and was promptly invited to a dance at the Indiana Roof.  He had a blind date with the lovely Miss Bernice Riley, also of West Indianapolis.  It was nearly love at first sight.  Prior to Francis’ honorable discharge, he married Bernice on June 21, 1947.  That union lasted for 67 years until Bernice’s heavenly homecoming.

The fruit of that union was 8 children who produced 25 grandchildren leading to 41 great-grandchildren.

Francis was a paper carrier, a printer of the Washington High School newspaper, a BoyScout, and a Boy Scout leader and Explorer Post Advisor.  He was a member of Colonial Hills (formerly Northeast) Baptist Church for over 52 years, serving in many capacities. As the family genealogist, he brought together many members of his family.

Professionally, Francis was deeply involved in the transportation business, working for a number of trucking companies from dockman, city driver, long haul driver, dispatcher, terminal manager (for Gateway Transportation), owner-operator, finally returning to road driving and retiring from Holland Motorfreight.  Occasionally he drove a tour bus for I-V Coachlines.  This was good training for driving the motor coach of the Senior Saints of Colonial Hills Baptist Church for many years.  He was a member of the Teamsters Union.

During one of the several economic downturns of his era, Francis learned to sell life insurance and earned his Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designation.

Francis is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bernice, his brothers, Carl and Lowell, and his grandson, Andrew Quillin.

He is survived by sons Robert (Linda) of Downey, CA, and Larry (Karen) of Noblesville, IN.  His six daughters are Cheryl (Rev. Jack Weigle) of Indianapolis, Carolyn (Jim Quillin) of Snellville, GA, Cathy (Darrell Moore) of Indianapolis, Christi (Mark Puckett) of Indianapolis, Connie (Greg Klingerman) of Fishers, and Cheri (Jim Pruitt) of Indianapolis.  In addition to these, Francis is survived by many cousins, nieces, and so many friends and neighbors.

Services are planned for Saturday, Veterans Day (11/11/2017), at 11:00 AM, at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 8140 Union Chapel Rd, Indianapolis, IN.  Viewing will take place at the same location on Friday, November 10, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Francis will be remembered for his faithful love to God, to his wife and family, to his church, and to his friends and neighbors.