Raymond John Pritchard

Pritchard Raymond John Age 81 Raymond John Pritchard died unexpectedly at the age of 81 after a brief illness on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Baptist East Hospital, Louisville, KY. He was born on August 2, 1931 to David and Hilda (Williams) Pritchard in Newland, England. He was educated at Monmouth School where he excelled not only academically but also in cricket and rugby. He was a member of the undefeated rugby XV of 1949. He was a dedicated member of St. Matthew's Parish since 1985 and a fixture at Sunday morning services. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Anthony of Cinderford, England. He is survived by his wife Constance of Louisville, KY; daughters Julie Pritchard of Newland, England, Carolyn Sheehy (Kevin) of San Francisco, CA and Allison Webster (Mark) of Newton, MA; brother Leonard and sister Patricia Delaney both of Coleford, England; his grandchildren Alexander Sheehy, William and Thomas Gardner and Rebecca Webster; and his nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. Ray joined the British American Tobacco Company in 1952 and remained with BAT and its subsidiaries throughout his 41-year career. His job included long assignments living abroad. His first posting was to Indonesia where he met his wife, Connie and where all three daughters were born. Other postings included India, Brazil and England prior to moving to Louisville in 1985 where he served as Chairman and CEO of Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation until his retirement in 1993. Following his retirement he continued to make Louisville his home with frequent trips back to visit his friends and family in England. His hobbies included golf, fly fishing and watching England or Wales win at rugby! He was a loving and generous man and will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 330 N. Hubbards Lane. Visitation will be at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Lane Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.