John David Pritchard

John David Pritchard, 89, died in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 8, 2024. Born October 13, 1934, in Putnam, Connecticut to John Ellis Pritchard and Ruth Marcella (Johnson) Pritchard, he was the middle child in a lively family, where he spent happy days at the family home in Pomfret, Connecticut.

He graduated from GF Pratt School, a two-room schoolhouse, and Putnam High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and scholar. He became an award-winning pole vaulter in statewide and regional competitions. He attended the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1956, where he met his first wife, Joan Ellin Flavin. They married in 1956. Later he received a Master’s degree from Trinity College, Hartford.

David enjoyed a career in manufacturing, which led him to move his family to Martin, Tennessee where he established the Miller Lighting Fixture Company. Later, he was offered a position in Little Rock, Arkansas with Essick Air Products, Inc., which was challenging and rewarding. He loved writing songs and playing his guitar, often for special occasions for family and friends.

Later in life he moved to the Atrium in Hot Springs. He enjoyed playing golf with a group of friends, who engaged . in lively matches. Their friendship was a treasure to him. Golf provided many connections to family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Timothy Flavin Pritchard (Marlene), Jody Pritchard Kennedy, Kristin Ann Ward (Barry), his grandchildren: Timothy Miles Pritchard (Ericka Regan) Tara Marie Pritchard Parker (JT), Nicholas Andrew Pritchard, Mathew Kennedy, Michael Kennedy (Maya), Shannon Taylor (Kent), and 4 great grandchildren. David is also survived by his sister, Nancy Pritchard Weiss (Jim) and her daughters, Hadley Rosen (Todd) and Chelsea Baum (Michael), with whom he shared the deep bond of a wise and loving older brother and cherished uncle.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, his wife, Joan, and Carol Rodgers and Doris Baldridge.

The funeral is Friday, October 11 at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs followed by a private burial at Forest Hills in Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation is at 9. Services are at 10.

Gifts in David’s memory can be made to: Arkansas Hospice – Ottenheimer Inpatient Center, 2 St. Vincent Circle, 7 East Little Rock, AR 72205.