Curtis Montgomery Pritchard passed peacefully into that good night on July 25, after a prolonged and arduous battle with Parkinson’s, a disease that debilitates the body, but not the mind. Fortunately he was well cared for until the very end. During the last month of his life, countless friends and family were able to visit and make the inevitable more acceptable. His last days were an extended living wake. A special thanks to the crew at Baptist Reynolds Hospice for hosting the event. The transition from this world, albeit sad, was joyous in that he will no longer suffer.
He was born in Memphis on October 16, 1953, to James Sidney Pritchard and Bess Pritchard, both now deceased. He grew up in Memphis and graduated from MC Williams High School in 1971. Curtis continued to live in Memphis until 1980, when his life took him on a whole different trip.
An impromptu excursion with friends to Mardi Gras in February 1980 precipitated a major change in his life. The visit to New Orleans led to a jaunt eastward to Destin/Fort Walton. After a spring and summer sojourn there, his friends came back - he stayed. He began a career in the service industry in Okaloosa County, playing an integral role in several restaurants, including Bay Cafe, Flamingo Cafe, Daddy’s Money, and Louisiana Lagniappe. There he had the pleasure to host countless people from Memphis, year after year, many of whom will be reading this, I feel certain. Then came marriage and children. Florida had
adopted Curtis.
After the turn of the century, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s took his life in another direction. He was to eventually move back home, and to care for Mama whose health had begun to decline. He remained here after she passed away.
His disability did not dampen his humor or diminish his care and concern for family. He was a loving father, uncle, brother and friend. So, we say a heartfelt and truly good, goodbye… and may he keep our love in tow forever.
He is survived by 2 daughters, Rachel (Bryan) Jones and Lindsey (Mike) Johnson, 4 grandchildren, Spencer Jones, Parker Jones, Ridge Johnson, and Stevie Johnson. He also leaves 2 brothers, Jimmy (Kathie) and Johnny (Brandi), one sister, Liz, a sister-in-law, Emily, and Becky Pritchard, friend and former wife, as well as nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bess and Jim Pritchard, a brother, Bob Pritchard, and a sister, Patsy Pritchard.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Destin, FL. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to the charity of your choice.
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