Clyde Prior

Funeral Service: 2 pm Saturday April 20, 2109 at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Visitation: 1 pm to 4 pm Friday April 19th, at Laurel Land. Interment: Crowley Hill Memorial Park of Arlington, Texas.

Mr. Prior was born November 27, 1942 in Henderson, Texas. His parents were John Prior and Ophelia Anthony. He was the third of five children. He graduated from Hill High School in 1960 and went on to earn his BA of Science degree from Texas College in 1964. During his freshman year of college, he met the love of his life and future wife, Willie Mae Mass. They were married on December 24, 1964. Their lasting bond led to the birth of the jewel of both parent's eyes, Breanna. Clyde was a loving husband, father and one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He was baptized on November 15, 1973. He enjoyed attending the meeting, conventions, and congregation fellowship. He came away with inspirational encouragement from these occasions. His most enjoyed hobby was tennis. He played regularly with different friends and colleagues. He was a competitor on the court, and always pushed to be the best player he could be.

Words from the family: One summer my uncle Clyde and I built a playhouse for his daughter in their backyard. it was a really hot summer and we drank lots of water and lemonade. During the month it took to build the house, he told me over and over again to measure twice and cut once. He wanted to make sure the measurements were accurate before cutting the wood. The funny thing was that I wasn't cutting the wood. In fact, I don't recall using any power tools at all.. All I used was a hammer and a bunch of nails. I think he thought I was too young to use the electric saw and he was probably right. Once the playhouse was finished , he discovered it was wider in the front than in the back. It was a secret we shared between the two of us. But each time someone commented on how cute the playhouse was, we'd look at each other and laugh. I am sure he shared that secret with others, but that summer, I discovered not only did I have a great uncle, I also had someone in my life like a father to me. He also made the same impression on two of his nieces, Daphne and Neecee. Uncle Clyde and Daphne shared a joke about winter being " two hats strong". He took her to work on an icy day. He arrived at her home wearing a beanie with a baseball cap on top. She would tease him and ask if all the other winters were " two hats strong". Neecee's memorable moment occurred when Uncle Clyde was in the hospital. He said at 76 years his feet were still growing. He wore a size 14 shoe. Neecee said at 50 years of age she wears a size 12 shoe. Uncle Clyde said if you are wearing that size now, at 76 she would be wearing a gigantic shoe.