Jerry Pryor
Jerry passed away on March 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by a contagious laugh, a permanent smile, and a deep devotion to his family and friends. To know him was to know joy; he had a rare gift for brightening any room he walked into, usually with a joke or a warm grin at the ready. He never met a stranger and was always willing to do whatever was needed to help his friends.
Born on August 11, 1941, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jerry served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict from 1963 to 1967, an experience that shaped his character and instilled in him a lifelong pride in his country.
Upon returning to civilian life, he traded the high seas for the intricate world of currents and circuits. He spent his career as a skilled electrician, a trade he mastered with precision and dedication.
While his career took him many places, his heart found its home in Grants, New Mexico. It was there, among the mesas and the community he loved, that he met the woman who would change his life forever. Jerry and his wife Dorothy shared a beautiful, enduring marriage of 48 years, built on a foundation of mutual respect and constant laughter.
As a father, he was a steady hand and a source of endless encouragement. He taught his family the value of hard work, but more importantly, he taught them that no matter how difficult the day, there is always a reason to smile.
He is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy, his children Danny and Victoria, his grandchildren Alexander, Zachary, and Nathaniel, and a community that will deeply miss the sound of his laughter. While his light has dimmed here on earth, the sparks of his joy remain in everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.