Eugene "Gino" S. Pryor

FORT MILL - Eugene “Gino” S. Pryor, 68, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012, in a local hospital.

On July 15, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Gino was born to the late Joseph V. and Leonora G. Pryor. He served as an MP in the U.S. Army while stationed in Korea from June of 1965 to June of 1967.

Gino loved his first job working in the steel mill; he later went to work with AT&T as a computer technician, where he retired after 39 years. During his retirement, he became a paint specialist with Lowe’s.

Gino’s passions were first and foremost the Pittsburgh Steelers, motorcycles, the NRA and unknown to many, his art. Although he seemed tough, he also had a soft heart; he was very sentimental, loyal to everyone and simply loved life.

Gino moved to Florida in 1979, and there he met Betty at a gym. After getting to know each other, their love affair began and never ended. His strength and love for his wife was extraordinary. In 1993, Gino was transferred to Charlotte, N.C., where the family lived for 15 years in the Mint Hill area. Upon retirement from AT&T, Gino and Betty moved to Baxter Village in Fort Mill to be close to their son and his new wife. Gino loved the community and people of Baxter Village and said, “It was like paradise, the only thing lacking was the beach.” He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

“The pain in my heart is so deep, it will never heal until we are together again…I love you madly, Gino Pryor, my love, my heart, my soul, my life, always yours eternally….Your Loving and Devoted Wife.”

Gino is survived by his wife of 30 years, Betty; their four children, Michael S. (Denise) Pryor, Steven S. (Mel) Pryor, Erin M. Pryor and Ryan C. (Lindsey) Pryor; his brother, Richard J. (Rebecca) Pryor; his sister, Linda (Gary) Pryor Rogers; and six grandchildren, Kahle, Bowen, Michael, Christian, Alara and Andrew; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Palmetto Funeral Home, with Scott Hofert officiating. Entombment will follow in the Unity Cemetery Mausoleum. A reception will be held at the Zoar United Methodist Church, 13611 Zoar Road, Charlotte, NC 28278, immediately after the services.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Palmetto Funeral Home.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.palmettofh.com.

The family of Mr. Pryor is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, S.C.