William Curtis Pryor

William (Bill) Curtis Pryor, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Buhl, Idaho, on November 26, 2023.

Bill was born on November 26, 1935, in Joes, Colorado, to Curtis Pryor and Fannie Pryor (Scofield). His family moved from Colorado to Buhl, Idaho, in 1937. During his childhood in Buhl, he strongly bonded with his uncle, Lee Pryor. During his teenage years, he met and dated Janice Keyser. They married in July 1953 and later divorced after 21 years. From this union came a son and three daughters. In 1953, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he and his family traveled the world, including serving on Guam during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant (TSgt) B52 Inspector and retired after serving 20 honorable years.

Bill met Petra (Pat) Villegas in California, and they married in Buhl, Idaho, on July 6, 1974. Bill embraced a beautiful journey alongside Pat, enriching their lives together and extending his love unconditionally to her three children as his own. They finally called Buhl, Idaho, home, where they ran Ambulance 6 for many years until Bill started working with the Buhl police department as a police officer for a few years. After leaving the police department, he worked as a security guard at Lamb Weston and Jolly Green Giant, later retiring for good. On May 21, 2023, the city of Buhl, Idaho, and the county of Twin Falls recognized Bill, making it William “Bill” Pryor Day.

Bill and his late wife Pat loved to travel. These adventures would lead them all over the country, often ending at a car show. He had a passion for cars, collecting and restoring many in his time. Bill was also a collector of many other things, guns being a significant interest. He was always eager to show whoever stopped by the house “his new toy.” He loved playing jokes on his grandkids, and he had an extraordinary sense of humor. Bill loved to make people laugh, which was evident up until his passing.

Bill is survived by his sisters, Mary Lou Pierce of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and Dorothy Moon of Buhl, Idaho; sons, Kevin (Deni) Pryor of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Gilbert Pryor of Buhl, Idaho; daughters, Tammie Pryor and Peggy (Kenneth P) Krick, all of Rapid City, South Dakota, Terri Thomas of Pasco, Washington and Carol (Wayde) Johnson of Hazelton, Idaho; 26 grandchildren, Russell (Heather) Pryor, Stephanie (Ryan) Thornquist, Keith Pryor, Shaun Scott, Shane Tipps, Chad Tipps, Bryon (Sarah) Pryor, Sherri Morris, Tammy Sullivan, Kenneth D (Kelly) Krick, Kyle (Teresa) Krick, Kelsey (Benjamin) Gale, Stacey McLachlan, Kristina (Wallace) Olson, Daniel Garcia, Raquel Garcia, James Velasquez, Monica Velasquez, Amanda Velasquez, Margie (Omar) Campos, Marco (Laura) Velasquez, Jessica (Kyle) Okelberry, Cally Johnson, Nathan (Kasi) Pryor, Jake (Kallie) Pryor, Michelle (Shawn Edwards) Pryor; 62 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends he gained along his journey.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis (Elsie) and Fannie (Melvin); his wife of 47 years, Petra; his daughter, Inez Velasquez; and his granddaughter, Kristi Krick.

“We sure hope there are some pretty nurses up there for you to flirt with.”

Memorial service will be held at 11:30 am, Friday, December 15, 2023, at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave N, Buhl. Burial will conclude at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 E Elm St, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Bill’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.