William Leon Pryor Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William (Bill) Leon Pryor (Elk Grove, California), born in Merced, California, who passed away on December 10, 2022, at the age of 81, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Bill was born in Merced Ca. to Bueford & Agnes Hatley Pryor of Dos Palos, Ca. Lived in Dos Palos for 62 years retiring in 2004 and started his travels. His school years were all in Dos Palos graduating in June of 1959.

Bill was active in sports playing football his last three years of high school 1957-1959. In 1959, Bill was chosen to play in the All County All Stars Game & was MVP on defense. Bill joined the Masonic Lodge in 1993 in Dos Palos. He also ran for Cancer Ambassador for Merced County in March 1996. Bill also was a perfect Santa to many children. From school classroom surprises to the video store & homes of several. Bill played Santa for 4 years for Video Cottage in Dos Palos, a video store in Los Banos, Head Start School in South Dos Palos, Churches and private homes. Bill use to tell everyone he did from his heart, not for money.

Bill has left a lasting footprint that will be remembered by those whose lives he touched. He coached Little League Baseball from 1962-63 and again 1972 thru 1981 he enjoyed doing things with the kids. Bill was involved with the youth group for 5 years at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Dos Palos & was usher for 11 years.

Bill above all was a loving hard working family man. He always said his most important job in life was to be a good and loving dad. He wanted his kids and grandchildren to always know and remember him as a gentle, caring, fun and loving man he was to each of them.

Bill often said, when he got older & had Bill Pryor Equipment & Iron Plus, “I never felt I had a job because I loved doing the work I did”.
He always worked hard whether it was pitching hay, working at a gas station or being a parts man, through all that his pride was the tractors.

His dream was to travel and see the USA. It became a reality from Alaska through 17 states & continued for 7 1/2 years until illness hit.

While Bill was recuperating from his first bout with lung cancer (Feb.2010) he found he had a hidden talent In woodworking. He purchased a Shop Smith & other items to get started and named his company “Rocking WP Woodworks”. He loved each and every item he built and took personal pride in all. He helped make Christmas each year for children he never knew by making 75 little trucks, cars and tractors which he donated to Toys-4-Tots with the Fire-stations & Marine Corp. Bill sold hundreds of ink pens and gave many away. Built an unbelievable logging truck with a self loader that was done from a picture. It took him 4 months to make.

Bill was married to Martha Jean Brandon for 29 years until her death, to this union two daughters were born, Carrie Teeter of Dos Palos & Cindy Hernandez of Cameron Park. He also leaves behind two brothers Larry Pryor of Layton, Utah & Harvey Pryor of Las Vegas Nevada along with 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

On June 16, 1990 Bill & Ivi were married in Dos Palos. Ivi brought into this marriage two daughters Kim Sanchez of Greeley Colorado and Shelle Suarez of Elk Grove CA. & 3 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death were: Bill’s parents Bueford & Agnes Hatley Pryor of Dos Palos, Ca. His wife Martha Jean Brandon Pryor of Dos Palos, Ca. & their son Mark William Pryor of Elk Grove, Ca. A brother Bob Pryor of Ceres Ca. also an infant grandson Ian Patrick Suarez of Elk Grove, Ca.

Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends all who will remember Bill with love & kindness. What a magnificent friend he was to many.

Bill was known for his gentleness, compassion and hard work. He will be greatly missed by many. He put up an awesome fight with lung cancer and lost his battle while at his home in Elk Grove Ca. with his loving wife Ivi by his side along with the help of Sutter Hospice of Elk Grove.

Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into minds of others and the stories they share about him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 28th 2023 at 2:00 PM at the The Rock Southern Baptist Church (1701 Leonard Avenue, Dos Palos, California 93620).