William A. Pritchett Jr.

William A. Pritchett, Jr. “Bill” passed away on 14 December 2013. Preceded in death by his parents William A. and Lolita Pritchett Sr., Bill is survived by a sister Carol Boyer of Chrisman Illinois, nieces Pam and Angie, godson Joshua Canziani and numerous friends all over the globe. Born in Chrisman, Bill joined the Navy in 1948, serving with distinction attaining the rank of first class metalsmith. With what was to be a lifelong love of aviation he attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1954 Bill joined McDonnell Aircraft as a flight line mechanic moving up to assistant foreman than Products Services. He worked with the F-4 Phantom, F101A, F101B and RF 101. In the summer of 1962 he was assigned to the Navy’s F4B Squadron at NAS Miramar, in San Diego California spending time on various aircraft carriers. In 1965 he was assigned to the first Marine reconnaissance F-4 squadron at El Toro, California and deployed to Da Nang Airbase Viet Nam. He reported to the Blue Angels in October of 1968 and spent the balance of his career working with them. Bill retired from McDonnell Douglas with over 40 years of service. He was an avid photographer. A Memorial Service will be held in Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey Mortuary on Bonita Road Saturday December 21, 2013 at 1 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society and/or the local Hospice would be appreciated. Once a Blue, Aways a Blue.