William Alfred Pryde

William “Bill” A Pryde, age 89, of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday morning March 8, 2023. Bill was born November 24, 1933 in Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania. Bill was a strong and caring man and was loved by all family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Lowman C and Elizabeth ”Mini” Pryde (Webster) of Osceola Mills, PA, Wife, Mary B Pryde of 55 Years, Brothers Lowman Jr ”Bud”, Lee, Richard Pryde, Sister Patty Kephart (Pryde) all of Osceola Mills, PA and Step Son Brett Fairchild in Tucson, AZ

Bill proudly served his country and obtained the rank of Major in United States Air Force, serving as, among other things, Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer before retiring after 23 years of service. While serving Bill accomplished many things; a “chrome domer” in B-52’s flying atom bombs around during the cold war, flying over 200 Drone reconnaissance missions over Vietnam and China during his 5 Tours of Duty in Vietnam. He was one of the early Drone pilots having flown them as early as 1967. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 9 Air Medals and many other medals and citations. He also attended War College in Colorado Springs, CO at the rank of Captain. He was a lifetime member of VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans)

Bill attended Osceola Mills High School in Pennsylvania and obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska. After retiring to Tucson, AZ Bill, with his wife Mary owned several businesses, such as SOS Electronics and Pantano Sand & Gravel. They also were successful with Real Estate Investments and Mobile Home Parks.

Bill loved the outdoors. He spent a lot of time sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. He was also a member of the “High Pointers Club” and climbed the highest mountains in 46 of the 50 States. He also loved to fly. After serving, he obtained his pilot’s license and flight instructor license. He owned several airplanes before deciding to build his own airplane, an RV-6A, which he loved flying around the United States and Mexico.

Bill was the second of 9 children, 5 sisters and 3 brothers, of which he is survived by Janice Rowles (John), Nancy Pelton (Roger), Linda Roach (Dennis) and Debbie Perks.

Bill is also survived by his Son, Gary Pryde (Denise) of Phoenix AZ, Daughter, Jennifer DeGrazia of Tucson AZ, and Step Son, Gregory Fairchild of Tucson, AZ. He has 11 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren.

A graveside service for Bill will be held Friday, March 24, 2023 starting at 1:00 PM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712