Jerry Lee Pryor

Jerry Lee Pryor, age 90, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on February 13, surrounded by his adoring family.

Born in 1935 in Illinois, Jerry was the youngest child of Maude and Fred Pryor and brother to Marjorie, Bill, Maxine, Bud, and Jack.

Jerry worked for more than 37 years for the US Coast and Geodetic Survey as a federal surveyor. In his early years, he traveled across America with a tight-knit crew, helping to chart the landscapes of a growing nation. He carried with him a lifelong love of the open road and the beauty of the land, quite literally helping to build the map of America.

He never traveled alone, however. By his side, for 70 years, was his partner in all things, his dear wife, Sandy. Together they built a family of four daughters: Sherri (Mark), Lori (Robert), Jami (Chris), and Traci (Steven), and nine grandchildren- Joshua, Katie, Jack, John Taylor, Sam, Jimmy, Evan, Gabe and Gryffin.

Jerry never did get that son, but as he liked to joke, he wouldn't have known what to do with one anyway. A true family man, he gave everyone silly nicknames and arrived at every holiday ready with big hugs and his signature bright red suspenders.

Jerry was a passionate outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, boating, and traveling by RV to national parks, sunny coasts, and up mountain peaks, even managing to drive his 1980s Econoline van up Pikes Peak. A lifelong tinkerer, he could fix just about anything and especially loved working on his old blue Chevy truck.

Never without a sweet dachshund (or two) on his lap, Jerry was still planning his spring tomato plants and tracking the NASCAR race schedule in his final days. Known for hosting legendary crab pickings, the North Ferry Farm resident also loved bluegrass music and classic Westerns.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, John Taylor.

A private family graveside service will be held, with a Celebration of Life planned for later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pet Partners or Blood Cancer United.