William Dude Andrew Priest

Affectionately known as “Dude,” Andrew spent his last months surrounded and supported by his many many friends to which he and his wife, Tracie, will remain forever grateful. Born December 29, 1959 in Delaware, Ohio, the family lived in Connecticut before moving to Tallahassee in 1968. After graduating from Leon High School and Georgia Tech University, Andrew attended and taught at FSU. The past 18 years Andrew was an engineer with the Department of Environmental Protection, providing safe drinking water to Florida residents. Dude enjoyed hitting what he was shooting at, taking tight curves on his motorcycle, and smoothing out rough spots for others. Andrew was the quintessential waterman, enjoying skiing, windsurfing, sailing, and swimming at local lakes and bays. He shared enchanted walks through north Florida woodlands with his dogs, and was frequently heard decorating time with his many musical friends. An intrepid culinary adventurer and explorer of ideas, Andrew was equally conversant on the proper oil temperature for frying and the ethical problem of the prisoner’s dilemma. He was a passionate advocate for and model of his humanistic ideals, but he recognized that at the end of the day nothing is more important than the embrace of the love of his life, and a dog kiss.

Andrew was preceded in death by his father, John F. Priest and his brother John Michael Priest.

He is survived by his wife, Tracie Priest, his mother, Gloria Wurst Priest, his brother Stephen Priest, step-children James and Michelle Churchard, his surrogate family of Michael and Diane Pearson, his aunt Dell Schroeder, his uncle Foster Wurst, and many relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Culley’s Meadow Wood Funeral Home on Riggins Road at 2pm. An open-dish “Gathering” will follow at The Warehouse on Gaines Street at 4-7pm. All family and friends are invited.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Tallahassee Big Dog Rescue.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.