Carl Ray Pritchett

Carl Ray Pritchett, age 90, of rural Marion, Illinois, bravely ended his journey here on earth at 5:00 AM, Friday, October 6, 2023, in his home with his family by his side.
 
Carl was born February 16, 1933 in Marion, Illinois, the 6th child of William Claude Pritchett and Libby Helen (King) Pritchett. Carl attended Meneese School in Goreville. He joined the US Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955, serving in Okinawa as a Chef. He returned home to farming and later married Margaret Ann Edwards on September 1, 1956 in Marion, IL. Carl worked at Fabick Machinery as a Field Mechanic for many years, then moved on to Williamson Coal Company as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic until he retired at the age of 50. He also farmed many acres and operated a mechanic shop at his residence. Carl and his wife loved to travel and wintered in Brownsville, TX for many years and enjoyed trips to Lake Okeechobee, as well as to their daughter's home in Florida. Carl loved fishing and working in his shop and visiting with his many friends. He was always available to anyone and everyone to lend a hand, an ear to listen, or to dispense advice. Carl was a very giving soul who will be remembered as an incredibly hard worker with a fun sense of humor. Carl was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.  
 
He is survived by one daughter, Carla A. (Bill) Rodd of Marion, IL and their Son, Nickolas Rodd of Deltona, FL. He was incredibly proud of his three great grand children Alyssa Rodd and Hailey Rodd of Hayesville, NC and Brantley Rodd of Deltona, FL. He had three other great grandchildren from Marion, IL: Olivia, Ridge and Landry Heyde. The light in his eyes shortly before he passed was his Great-great-grandchild, Baylor Rodd, also from Hayesville, NC. They both had endless smiles when together and he was beyond proud to have met him, singing songs and making faces. He is also survived by one brother, Jerry (Diane) Pritchett of Marion, IL as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dedicated dog Buddy, his Parents, his Wife and his son, Alan R. Pritchett of Marion, IL, as well as nine siblings and in-laws. Jessie (John Wade) Duncan, Bill (Jo Nell) Pritchett, Janie Lou (Paul) Booth, Paul Pritchett, Ralph Jean Pritchett, Joan (Junior) Hock, Jack (Billie Jean) Pritchett, Larry (Sandy) Pritchett, and Marylan (Marvin) Roberts.
 
Visitation will be Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion followed by a Military Honors Ceremony. A gathering will follow at Carl's home to celebrate his life, starting at Noon following the Visitation/Ceremony.
 
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or Alzheimer's Research.

Carla and Bill wish to thank Lesa Pritchett Ellis for her endless help and support over the last few years of helping to care for Carl, and to their many neighbors whose kindness is unmatched. They are eternally grateful.