Richard Pritchard

He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Dillard) Pritchard and her son Harry Landwehr; his former wife Claudia (Barfield) Pritchard and their daughter, Melissa Williams (Joel); brothers, Joe Pritchard (Paige) and Tom Pritchard (Lori); sister, Anne Davis (John); grandchildren, Anthony Lioce (Breggin), Andrew Pritchard, Alex Pritchard, Audrey Williams, Claudia Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Paul Baker Pritchard, Jr. and Ruth Anne (Tanner) Pritchard; brothers, Paul Pritchard III (Becky) and Bob Pritchard (Donna); son, Greg Pritchard; and many aunts and uncles.

Dick received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Duke University, where he was an Angier B. Duke Scholar and a member of Pi Mu Epsilon and Phil Lambda Upsilon honor societies. Outside of the classroom he was a member of BOG social club, and he enjoyed singing and performing with the Harlequins, Duke Chapel Choir, and Men’s Glee Club. Following his graduation from Duke in 1967, Dick earned his Masters and PhD in Chemistry from The Ohio State University. He remained dedicated to both of his alma maters, regularly attending Duke basketball games with family and cheering for the Buckeyes throughout each football season.

Dick had a distinguished career that spanned five decades. Early in his career, he performed groundbreaking scientific research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he was honored for his meritorious service to the field of nuclear explosives research. He later managed contracts for the Department of Defense at organizations such as BDM International, Nichols Research Corporation, The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC), High Performance Technologies, Inc. and others. He led the efforts in securing large awards and contracts for these organizations. While serving as the Director of Federal Programs at OSC, he met his wife, Elaine.

He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force. While at Duke University, Dick was a cadet in the ROTC program and a member of the Arnold Air Society honorary. Commissioned upon graduation, Dick become an officer in the USAF and was active duty until December of 1978. He faithfully served in the Reserves for 21 years and advanced to the rank of Colonel. His military awards and decorations included the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force National Defense Medal, and the Outstanding Unit Award with one leaf cluster. He was awarded the Legion of Merit after 30 years military service at his retirement in June 1997.

During the final decade of his career, Dick pursued his passion for marketing and nutritional supplements. With a lifelong commitment to an active, fit lifestyle and nutrition, the marketing of nutritional products was a natural fit for him. Dick was well respected for his leadership, professionalism, mentorship, and marketing expertise in the network marketing community.

Although Dick’s career allowed him to live all over the United States, he didn’t forget the small town where he grew up – Ware Shoals, South Carolina, where his father was the town’s physician. His family were part of a close-knit community, where residents took pride in their town and took care of others as their own families. A 1963 graduate of Ware Shoals high school, Dick played Varsity football and participated in the school marching band. Outside of school, he was an Eagle Scout and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals. Until his death, Dick kept in regular contact with childhood friends and family members through email and Facebook.

Dick had a wicked sense of humor, intellectual curiosity and exceptional intellect, compassion, and many other great qualities. He was well-respected and admired by most who crossed his path in life. He had incredible impact on others through his mentoring and regard for others. A loyal and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Dick cherished, protected, and provided for his family, even at the end of his life. Although he had a terminal illness, he prioritized the well-being of his family over his own.

A celebration of life will be held in South Carolina in upcoming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pelotonia (for Ohio State University cancer research) or the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the James Cancer Hospital who cared for Dick with compassion.