Dr. Madison Pryor

1928 - 2014

BORN

1928

DIED

2014

About

Lafayette High School Morehead State University University of Tennessee

Madison Pryor Obituary

PRYOR Dr. Madison (Matt) passed away Nov 12 at his home in Cherry Grove, SC, surrounded by friends and family. Matt was a native Kentuckian who moved to Cherry Grove twenty years ago after retiring as a college professor at Morehead State University. He was born Dec 22, 1928 and was raised in Lexington, graduating from Lafayette High School where he was a football and track standout and was named to the school's Hall of Fame. He earned his undergraduate degree from Morehead State where he was a star halfback on the football team. Upon graduation, Matt served in the U.S. Army. After serving his tour of duty, Matt earned his Master's degree from Ohio State and his PhD from the University of Tennessee. Matt was then given a life-changing opportunity to utilize his education as a biologist by serving on two research trips to Antarctica with 11 Russian scientists in 1959 and 1962, studying emperor penguins. In honor of his service there, a glacier was named for him in the region: Pryor Glacier. After his work in Antarctica, Matt came home to Kentucky where he served as a professor of Biology and Russian at his alma mater, Morehead State, for 30 years. Upon retirement, Matt looked for the perfect spot to call home. He loved the beach and fell in love instantly with Cherry Grove. He told friends and family repeatedly that he wanted to die while sitting in his chair, looking out his window at the beach and ocean he loved so much. He got his wish. Matt was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ross and Virginia Pryor; three brothers and one sister, Jim, Lance, Joseph, and Anna Mae. Matt Pryor was a very special man and for those of us that knew and loved him, life will not be the same without him. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Madison E. Pryor Scholarship Endowment Fund, Morehead State University, College of Science and Technology, 246 Reed Hall, Morehead, KY 40351.

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Nov. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Madison Pryor

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12 Entries

Robert Darraugh Wooton

February 26, 2022

As a professor he was inspiring and graceful in lectures. If I were to be a university professor or grade school teacher or any other educator or colleague, Matt Pryor is the one I would hold as my guiding light for professionalism and love of life. He made a lasting impression on me as an undergraduate and his enthusiasm for and the study of life has left a lasting mark on my life and I am humbled and grateful for such a fine teacher.

Matt and my father at Mirnyi base

Eduard Petrovsky

July 31, 2018

My father Jaroslav Petrovsky (from former Czechoslovakia) shared a room with Matt Pryor at Russian Antarctica base Mirnyi in 1962 and he still remembers many many details of this stay. May be he was the one to teach Matt the first Russian words. He is often remembering Matt as a great man and friend. My and my family's sympathies to relatives of Matt.

John Secor

October 11, 2017

As a linguist, I took two semesters of Russian with Dr. Matt Pryor at Morehead State ca. 1990, where I was employed teaching Romance Languages. What a broadening experience as Dr. Pryor methodically taught us cursive and print alphabets in Russian, and conveyed subtleties of the language and culture. Such a devoted professor, who richly earned his reward. My sympathies to family and friends.

Josep McNally

January 23, 2016

With great sorrow I learned today of Matt's passing. I, with Matt, was a member of the wintering over Antarctic Deep Freeze IV expedition 1958-59. Matt was an outstanding member of our group and over the years since that time I have frequently and fondly recalled those adventurous days together.
Joseph McNally
San Diego, CA

Ted Withrow

March 21, 2015

The world has lost a truly gifted man. I was one of his students whom he inspired to be more than I knew I could be. I took every class he offered and credit him with my life long passion for knowledge. He was my friend for years after I graduated. Lost touch with him after he retired. He touched and changed many lives. Thanks for all you gave us, RIP.

Martha Lawson

December 5, 2014

I was introduced to Mr. Pryor as Uncle Matt by my dear friends Martha and Gayle Pryor. He was always an unselfish kind loving man who I know will be deeply missed by his family and his beach family. Rest in Peace Uncle Matt You are so loved.

Dee Coffer

December 2, 2014

Was blessed to be with Matt at his "Home Going" while in his favorite chair. Loved him dearly for 20 + yrs. A truly great & giving Man! Lots of precious memories!!

Leslie Louder O'Neal

November 24, 2014

Dr. Pryor was definitely a one-of-a-kind...and he will be sorely missed. I had multiple classes under him and he was my advisor for a number of years. I only hope he realized how much I (and many others) admired him.

BOB BAKER

November 23, 2014

He was a professor of mine as MSU, his stories where always informative and funny...Dr. Pryor touched many lives...I will never forget him

Terry Reynolds

November 23, 2014

I am saddened to learn of Dr. Pryor's passing. I had him as a Professor at MSU. Our thought and prayers are with the family. Know that a part of him lingers with all that he met, and taught.

November 23, 2014

Matt and I were friends at Lafayette High School. I followed his career through the years. He was outstanding in all of his efforts. Even though I only saw him several times at 1947 Lafayette reunions, he was the same Matt I knew from the Cramer Avenue area of Lexington during our youth.

Fred Abdon

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