June Pryor

Claude Franklin Pryor, Jr., known to most as "June", age 98, passed away Monday, December 9, 2019 at Frankfort Regional Medical Center.

He was born April 13, 1921, on the same farm where he resided in the Long Ridge community, to the late C.F. Pryor, Sr. and Bessie Smith Pryor. He was a graduate of the New Liberty High School where he loved playing basketball. June saw a lot of life in his 98 years. At the age of 19 he and two friends journeyed to New York City to attend the World's Fair, with just $50 between the three.  After graduation he served his country in the United States Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1946 with a tour of duty in France. Upon his return he married Glenna Hughes Pryor in 1947. She preceded him in death in 2003. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Faywood Wright, Mildred Edmondson and Winfred Pryor.

He recalled times when the circus would visit Owenton. They would arrive by train in Sparta, then the elephants would pull carts with tigers, lions and other animals in cages along Highway 127 to get to town. He considered seeing a man on the moon as the most spectacular event in his lifetime.

June had a life long love for farming, raising tobacco for nearly 30 years. He bought his first cow when he was just 10 years old and was in the cattle business for over 85 years, specializing in purebred herefords.

June worked in local banking industry for 10 years and served as Owen County PVA for 21 years, from 1967 - 1988.

June served as treasurer of local chapters of the Red Cross, Salvation Army and American Cancer Society in the 1950s and 1960s. He served the Owen County Fair Board as both Director and Secretary for several years.  He was a lifelong member of the Long Ridge Baptist Church, where he was an active Deacon for 30 years and currently Deacon Emeritus. He also served as church treasurer for 25 years and Owen County Baptist Association for about 10 years. June was recently awarded the Owen Countian of the Year, in July.

June will be missed by his children, Patty Avriett, Jeff (Corinne) Pryor and Frank (Jo Ella) Pryor; his grandchildren, Candis (Adam) Rogers, Jodi (Caleb) Cobb, Melanie (Chris) DiBona, Alyssa, and Madeline Pryor; his great-grandchildren, Brittany & Bryce Thornton and Josiah, Shayna & Cara Cobb; his niece, Jane Michael and his son-in-law, David Avriett.

McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements. family will receive friends at the Main Street location on Friday, December 13, 2019, from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday with Bro. Roger Alford and Bro. Devin Leitch presiding. Burial will be in the Owenton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Long Ridge Baptist Church or Crutcher Youth Center, PO Box 6747, Knoxville TN 37914