Thomas Pryor Sr.

Thomas Claude Pryor, Sr., 82, peacefully passed away from this life on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at his home in Texas City, Texas after a courageously fought battle with cancer. Better known as "Tom " to his family and friends, Tom was born on December 02, 1933 in Eddy, Texas near Waco. He spent his childhood living in Chilton, Texas and graduated from Chilton High School in 1950.

In his honor, a visitation will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Emken - Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, Texas. Mr. Pryor's funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 starting at 2:00 pm at the Emken-Linton Funeral Home followed by a Military salute graveside service at 3:30 pm at Forest Park East Cemetery in League City, Texas off IH-45.

He is preceded in death by his father, Claude Eugene Pryor; his mother, Emma Belle (Claudie) Rochelle; his sister, Rose Marilyn Gross; his brother, George Eugene Pryor; his son, Robert Eugene Pryor; and grand daughter, Lisa Pryor Jay.

Tom is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 62 years, Jimmie Ruth (Coonrod) Pryor; his brother, Robert Charles Pryor and wife Anne of Lincoln, Montana; son, Thomas C. Pryor Jr. and wife Shawn of Pearland, Texas, daughter, Marilyn E. Perry and husband Clay of Texas City, Texas; and daughter in law, Judy R. Pryor of LaMarque, Texas.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren; John Pryor, Robert Pryor, Lauren Pryor Mc Nanny, Cassi Perry Springman, Marshal Perry, Bradley Pryor, Kilian Goodson, Brandi Perry, and Erica Cote. Lastly, Tom is survived by nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

After graduating High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on his 17th birthday. As a member of the 1st Marine Division and 1st 4.5 Rocket Battery, Tom participated in the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Corporal. He was awarded 7 medals and 2 special unit citations. He was most proud of having earned the Marine Corp's "Good Conduct Medal" and receiving a Presidential Unit Citation from the President of the Republic of Korea, Kim Dae Jung for outstanding duty and bravery during combat. After serving 3 years in the Marine Corp, Tom was discharged with an Honorable Discharge but lived as a Marine his entire life. "Semper Fi" Tom Pryor.

Tom married the love of his life Jimmie Ruth Coonrod of Alvin, Texas three days after his discharge from the Marine Corp. on December 05, 1953. At that time, the two began their life long journey together and eventually moved to Texas City in January of 1958. It was during this time of his life that Tom joined the Texas City Police Department. Until his recent death, Tom was the oldest living former Police Officer of the Texas City Police Department, something that he was very proud of. In 1963, Tom received his diploma in Applied Science from the Institute of Applied Science in Chicago, Ill. for the studies of Scientific Crime Detection. Tom was promoted to the rank of Detective and later Chief Detective before the completion of his service with the Police Department. After his duty as a Peace Officer, Tom began working construction in the local plants as a Boilermaker. Eventually, he became a member of Boilermaker L.U. 132. Tom continued to work as a boilermaker until his retirement in 1983. He stayed close friends with many of his fellow co-workers right up to the time of his death.

After retirement, Tom dabbled in Real Estate for several years, flipping and selling houses. He truly enjoyed doing this. However, during retirement he rekindled his passion for camping and fishing. Tom loved to bass fish. He was crowned "Fisherman of the Year" several years running from family members that he fished and competed against while fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn. He cherished and displayed those small trophies that he received as if they were the Lombardi Trophy from the NFL Super Bowl. Tom also enjoyed the hobby of treasure hunting, and he even once own and operated a Gold mine in Montana.

During Tom's younger years, Tom enjoyed playing Men's Fast Pitch softball. He played for several semi-pro teams including a team sponsored by the Texas City Police Department. He was an outstanding pitcher. His fast ball was once clocked at 105 mph. He threw several no-hitters during his softball career. And, he was most famous for throwing a no-hitter against the famed Eddie Feigner's softball team, "The King and His Court" during an exhibition game in the early sixties.

Lastly, Tom was known as a family man. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was very proud of his children and loved them very much. He was a humble man and a kind man. He always found the positive in people specially his grandchildren. He loved telling them stories of his many adventures and life experiences, and they loved to listen to him. Also, Tom was a Christian man who loved the Lord. He was a member of the Mainland Church of Christ.

Pallbearers will include: Ronnie Schalk, Clint Yoas, Kevin Wood, Randy Hounsel, Darrell Hall, and Scott Megale.

The family would like to thank A-Med hospice for their care of Tom during his final days and all other care givers that help comfort him.

Tom will greatly missed by all that knew him. May he rest in eternal peace forever

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