William Charles Pritchett Sr.

January 19, 1941 – June 18, 2026

William Charles “Charlie” Pritchett, Sr., a man known for his deep loyalty, quiet selflessness, and generous heart, passed away peacefully at his home in Montgomery, Alabama, on June 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after several weeks in hospice care. He was 85 years old.

Charlie was born on January 19, 1941, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After losing his father at the age of four, he spent part of his childhood at The Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, Alabama, an experience that profoundly shaped his life. During those years, he developed a deep appreciation for community, a resilience that would define him, and a lifelong desire to help others.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery in 1959 and immediately began his career with the Alabama Highway Department, where he faithfully served for 48 years. Never content to stop learning, Charlie continued his education at Auburn University Montgomery. He earned certifications in Public Management and Erosion and Sediment Control.

Charlie also honorably served his country for six years as a Staff Sergeant in the Alabama Air National Guard and in the United States Air Force Reserve.

But Charlie’s greatest accomplishment was the life he built with his family. He was married for 63 years to the love of his life, Athlyn Sue Pritchett, who cared for him with extraordinary devotion throughout a difficult year-long illness and remained faithfully by his side until his final breath. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to the love, commitment, and steadfastness that defined Charlie’s life.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved hunting, fishing, growing vegetables in his garden, watching birds, and spending long days at the lake with the people he cherished most. He had a quick wit, a gift for giving everyone memorable nicknames, and a talent for creating phrases that his family will repeat for years to come. Those he loved to carry an endless collection of stories that will continue to bring laughter for generations.

Charlie often shared a simple philosophy that guided his life: “Everything is made for love.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Athlyn Sue Pritchett; his three sons, William Charles Pritchett, Jr. (Anna), Andrew Taylor Pritchett (Shannon), and David Len Pritchett (Colleen); and his six grandchildren, Drew, Brooke, Violet, Jack, Jewell, and Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Taylor Linwood Pritchett (1945); his mother, Jewell Hodo Pritchett (1999); his sister, Joann Pritchett (1990); and his brother, Linwood Pritchett (2021).

Charlie lived a life that was full, generous, and deeply rooted in love. He leaves behind a family with countless memories that will be treasured forever, and a community that is better because he was part of it.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Terry Veasey Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 240762, Montgomery, Alabama 36124.

The time and place for a celebration of Charlie’s life will be announced at a later date.