William Donald Pryor

Dr. William Donald (Don) Pryor was born February 2, 1939, to William Jesse (Buster) and Pauline Todd Pryor.  He was the eldest of eight children. He grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi where he attended elementary through high school. Don attended church at First Baptist Church in Olive Branch.

After graduating high school, Don went to Northwest Jr. College where he met the love of his life, Mildred Golden. They married on October 2, 1960, and have been happily married for over 64 years. He later attended the University of Mississippi followed by East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce) where he received his Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Industrial Technology and a Doctorate of Education. He became a public school educator at the junior high and high school levels in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as in Commerce, Greenville, Nacogdoches, and Mesquite, Texas. During that time, Don and Mildred had two daughters, Sherryn Lee, and Lisa Kaye.

Throughout his life, Don dedicated himself to the well-being and happiness of his family. He loved his family deeply and was always quick to help when needed. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren including coaching their sports teams, attending their various events, and hosting a yearly get together for them to attend vacation bible school.

In addition to the love of his life, his family, and education, Don was particularly passionate about faithfully serving God as a Deacon at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Commerce. Don’s servant heart led him to various ministries such as leading a bible study class for decades, shuttling community members to church and sharing God’s word with hundreds of people throughout his life. In addition, he was instrumental in the foundation of Cross Trails Cowboy Church in Fairlie, Texas,  and the construction of the new Ridgecrest Baptist Church. He was considered a master carpenter and had owned his own construction and repair company for time in Commerce. He was also a ’55 Chevy enthusiast, a fervent Dallas Cowboys and Ole Miss fan, and absolutely loved westerns. Don had many cherished friends and never met a stranger.

Dr. William Donald Pryor went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at his home on February 21, 2024. Don is survived by his wife, Mildred, his daughters Sherryn (Ross) Cates and Lisa (Jim) Singleton, five grandchildren – Rachel (Max) Fleming, Caitlyn (Brian) Remson, Emily Singleton, Andrew Cates, and Jackson Singleton and five great-grandchildren – Clara, Clark, Charlotte, Camryn Remson, and Luke Fleming. Two brothers and four sisters also survive him – Carter Ray (Barbara) Pryor, Joyce (Tony) Ross, Kay (Mike) Bryan, Fay (Cecil) Baldwin, Linda Carol (Rob) Givens, and Kenny (Chris) Pryor, all of Olive Branch, Mississippi. Other survivors include brother-in-law Keith (Renee) Golden of Mt. Vernon, Texas and sister-in-law Linda Golden of Coldwater, Mississippi, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents William Jesse ‘Buster’ Pryor and Pauline Todd Pryor, as well as his sister and brother-in-law Glenda and Robert Blackard, brother-in-law Charles Wayne Golden, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy Lee and Sylvia Golden, and two nephews-Brian Ross, and Neal Pryor.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Commerce. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm with the service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville, Texas.   Serving as Pallbearers are Andrew Cates, Ross Cates, Max Fleming, Brian Remson, Jackson Singleton, and Jim Singleton.  Honorary Pallbearers are Ray Deaton, Mike Elliott, Linda Golden, Lakeisha Martin, Sandra Martin, Jay O’Neal, Daniel Smith, Gaylon Steele, and Keith Haws.

Memorial tributes may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 711 Culver St., Commerce, Texas 75428.