Harley Hamilton Pritchard Jr.

A devoted father, husband, grandfather, brother, a friend to everyone he met, and our Hero. He was born on June 24, 1939, in Abilene, Texas to Harley H. Sr, and Melba Adella Pritchard. He was their oldest son and best brother to Mike, Patric, Tim and Tom.

In the early 1960’s, Harley knew his destiny was to protect and serve his country in the military and so he fulfilled his goal by enrolling in the Air Force. Early in his military career he fell in love with his wife Marilyn, his “Mernie” over an apple pie. Together they raised five loving children: Christine, Doug, Kyle, Anitra, and Lauren. He was stationed in Texas, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, Ohio, New Mexico, and North Dakota. During this time, he was an Electrical Engineer and more importantly did three tours of duty in Vietnam as a B-52 Flight Navigator-Bombardier in Gaum, where he was a decorated War Hero. These outstanding accolades included a Meritorious Service Metal, a Distinguished Flying Cross, the top honor awards of an Air Medal, Expert Marksmanships Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit and Longevity Service Awards, an Air Force Accommodation Metal, A Vietnam Service Metal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal, just to name a few.

Harley proudly served in the Air Force for 20 years, one month and one day until he retired on November 30, 1982. As a master scholar and because of his accomplishments while in the military, Harley then became an Electrical Engineer at Martin Marietta in Orlando, Florida for 20 years. There he helped build for NASA and worked on the SCUD Missile Project. He then transitioned to Westinghouse and Siemens for another 16 years as an Electrical Engineer.

Harley lived for his family and friends and would give the shirt off his back for anyone. He never met a stranger because anyone that interacted with Harley was an instant friend and admirer. He loved being of service, was a proud father who loved taking care his family, including the cats. He was a protector and Super Dad! Harley had a wonderful personality, loved to laugh, and make people laugh. He loved to dance with his wife and daughters, set off fireworks with his sons and attended any of the kids’ recitals and concerts. He also loved camping, fishing, reading, movies, amusement parks, rollercoasters, petting zoos, fairs, was an avid runner of marathons, and especially loved cooking steaks on the grill and preparing his award-winning chili and cornbread.

Harley is survived by his wife Marilyn Oakley Pritchard, and their children Christine Louise Pritchard, Douglas Harley Pritchard, Anitra Joylene Pritchard, and Lauren Lynise Pritchard. His brother Mike Pritchard, Tom Pritchard, Tim Pritchard and his grandchildren Ashley Elizabeth and Caroline Elise Reichle. His sweet daughter-in-law Julia Gessinger and his sons-in-law Michael Bryant and Joe Roche. He is predeceased by his son Kyle William Pritchard, his brother Patric Pritchard, his parents and his son-in-law “Big” Dave Sitarski.

A visitation for Harley will be held Monday, September 18, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill, 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, FL 32817. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 18, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, FL 32817. A committal service will occur Monday, September 18, 2023 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2400 HARRELL RD, ORLANDO, FL 32817. A reception will occur Monday, September 18, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, FL 32817.