Michael Lee Pryor

LTC Michael Lee Pryor, LAARNG (Ret.), 50, of Baytown, Texas, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2014, at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. Mike was born January 8, 1964, at Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda, and grew up in Garland, Texas. Before graduating from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Political Science, he earned an associate degree from the New Mexico Military Institute and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1984. Upon completion of the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Mike was assigned to the 1-124th Armored Cavalry, Texas Army National Guard. He rose from tank platoon leader to troop commander in the 1-124th before being called to active duty during the 1990 Gulf War. Once activated, Mike was re-assigned to the 256th Infantry Brigade, Louisiana Army National Guard, where he spent the remainder of his career.

In his time with the 256th, Mike attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During their 2004-05 deployment to Baghdad for Operation Iraqi Freedom III, he served with distinction as brigade operations officer and was proud to provide security and support for Iraq's first free election. The brigade returned from Iraq shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast and immediately joined in recovery efforts.

Mike was deeply honored to serve as commander of the 3-156th Infantry Battalion, particularly on their 2008 deployment to Sekiyama, Japan for Operation Orient Shield, a joint training exercise with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. In 2010, he coordinated the Louisiana National Guard cleanup efforts following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The following spring, he deployed to Haiti to assist in ongoing recovery projects related to the January 2010 earthquake. As a leader, Mike was firm, fair, loyal and kind, and inspired loyalty in return. Mike loved his soldiers and they loved him. After serving his country honorably for twenty-eight years, Mike retired from military service in May 2012. Among his many medals and awards were the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge. At the time of his passing, he was an Associate Safety Technician at Big Hill Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Winnie, Texas.

Mike fell in love with the sport of hockey on February 22, 1980, when he watched the United States defeat the Soviet Union, 4-3, in the legendary ""Miracle on Ice."" Thus began a lifelong devotion to the game. He watched it, analyzed it, and even blogged about it. His goal was to see a game in all thirty NHL arenas, and he checked thirteen off his list.

Years of eating MREs in the National Guard only increased Mike's appreciation of a good meal, and he always enjoyed trying new restaurants and foods. He also loved to travel, and Hawaii was his favorite destination. Mike was drawn to the ocean and loved scuba diving.

As much as he loved hockey, good food and travel, Mike loved his family and friends even more. His wife and children were the joy of his life. Always ready with a warm smile, a kind word, a hug and a helping hand, he enriched countless lives. To quote songwriter Max Stalling, Mike was ""a soldier, and a husband, and a friend to all.""

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, COL Ralph Pryor (USA, Ret) and Vera Pryor, Ralph and Hilma Botter; niece, Makayla Nicole Rivers; and by thirty-two of his brothers-in-arms of or attached to the 256th BCT who gave their lives in service of our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. He is survived by his wife of eleven years, Dee Rivers Pryor; daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Joshua Dupree; sons, William and Leighton Munson; grandchildren; Jacie and Jayden; parents, Bruce and Betty Pryor; brothers and sisters-in-law, John Pryor, Matthew Pryor and Lisa Pedrotti, and James and Rosa Pryor, Karen Cook and John Lindstrom, Sara and Shannon Corley, Kaitlyn Crosby; nieces and nephews, Austin, Ashley, Clayton, Makenna, Megan, Kyle, Beau, Hunter, Taya; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and a great many friends.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Saturday, June 21, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following. It was Mike's wish to have his remains cremated and scattered on the island of Maui.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.