George Joseph Pryor

George Joseph Pryor was born March 2, 1936 in Owosso, Michigan to Edward Thomas Pryor and Mary Elizabeth Kohls Pryor. Together with his older brother, Edward, George grew up in Owosso where he was a gifted student, enjoyed playing sports, and became an accomplished piano player. After graduating from St. Paul Catholic High School, George enrolled in Rosary College (now Dominican University) in in River Forest, Ill. It was there that George committed himself to the priesthood in the Dominican order. George was ordained Samuel George Pryor of the Order of Preachers, April 15, 1963. While teaching in the late 1960’s at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, George met Alice Richards, who was teaching art history at the university. Their friendship led to a career change for George. He moved to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to pursue studies at McMaster University for a Ph.D. in philosophy/psychology. George and Alice were married in Hamilton in 1971, and moved back to Austin in 1972. After returning to Austin, George served as director of adult probation training at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Using his past spiritual wisdom, and psychology training, George gave meaningful support to others and to the department administration. George was very active in AA, and provided leadership in that program and was a beloved sponsor to many. Upon retirement from TDJC, George led an active life. George enjoyed photography. He and Alice ushered at the Palmer Auditorium and the Long Center in Austin and were members of the Austin food co-op for many years. George was a very loving and devoted husband to his wife, Alice, and shared in many of her professional endeavors. They trained in the Alexander Technique and practiced message therapy for others. George and Alice traveled to many of the Alexander international conferences, and George served as the treasurer of that organization for many years. They also shared a special love for animals and delighted in their beloved cats for many years. Cat humor suited the Pryor wit well! George was very active at Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, singing in the choir, playing piano for the children’s choir, always available and pleased to serve when asked. George was preceded in death, by his parents, his brother, Edward, and his wife, Alice. Giving thanks for George’s life are beloved relatives, Claire Pryor, Dan Pryor, Julie Chase, Corbin Saleem Richards, Sam Ross, George’s many friends in the AA program, other longtime friends, the members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the residents of Westminster Senior Living Community. A memorial service in thanksgiving for George’s life will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd. on Friday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers you are invited to make a donation in George’s memory to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition, Blvd. Austin, Texas, 78703, or the charity of your choice.

George Joseph Pryor

March 2, 1936 - November 27, 2023