Willie Pryor
Age - 82
December 7, 2023
Willie Lee Pryor was born on May 28, 1941, in Holly Springs, Ms. He was the second of four children born to Jessie Pryor and Fannie Martin Pryor, both of whom preceded Willie in death. As a young man, Willie moved to the Southside of Chicago in 1966 in search of better opportunities. For more than 40 years, he worked for SkyChefs--the catering arm of American Airlines. Throughout his career, Willie traveled extensively around the country and earned a number of progressively advanced positions with the airline. Starting out as a food coordinator, Willie worked as a senior truck driver, a trainer, and was promoted to the position of a licensed Commercial Driver's License program examiner for the state of Illinois before retiring. It was while working for American Airlines that Willie met the love of his life and best friend, Velma Wilson Pryor. After Willie wooed and won Velma over with his charming ways, cooking skills, and air-conditioned apartment, the two were married on Oct. 17, 1975. They were inseparable until God called him home. Together, they raised their two children, Shelith and LaDarryl in Hazelcrest. Willie loved to sing and was a faithful member of the award-winning inspirational singing group, the Gospel Soul Revivals. He and his brother Harry traveled the country singing gospel, for more than 60 years. Ministering and singing about the goodness of God was their passion!Through his travels with his job, his singing group and family, Willie had the opportunity to work with and meet hundreds of people. He was a man who never met a stranger. He could count among his many friends and acquaintances people from all walks of life--from the famous to everyday folks. He was kind, open and generous to all. Willie was a loving husband, and a wonderful father, brother, uncle, grandfather, mentor and friend. Willie was an ardent volunteer and community activist. During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, he courageously took part in Freedom Rides and later served on several political campaigns, such as the mayoral campaign for Chicago's first Black mayor, Harold Washington. He also worked very closely with Rev. Jesse Jackson on Operations Breadbasket and PUSH. He was a dedicated civil servant. In 2008, Willie served as a volunteer for the presidential campaign for the then-junior senator from the state of Illinois, Barack Obama. Willie spent time transporting volunteers and canvassing throughout Illinois and neighboring states to get Obama elected. One of Willie's proudest civic moments was traveling to the nation's capital with his family to witness the inauguration of President Obama!After relocating to Decatur with Velma in 2018 to be closer to family, Willie continued to serve in his new community. He became a "grandparent" with Youth With a Positive Direction, where he provided transportation for children to and from the program, and offered mentoring and grandfatherly support until his passing. Willie treasured his time with family, and his grandkids meant the world to him. They knew him as "Papaw. " He bought a van, "the trolley," expressly for the many road trips the family took together, making fond and cherished memories over the years and miles. Willie was a great driver and looked forward to traveling with his family on vacations, fishing trips and just hanging out. He also was a man of faith who loved his church family. As was a member of All Nations/Freedom Church for more than 25 years where he served as an usher. Once he relocated to Decatur, Willie joined Main Street Church of the Living God and was an active and faithful servant. Willie was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brothers, Harry and James. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years Velma; daughters, Shelith (Kenneth) Hansbro of Decatur, Ill. , and Vanessa (Lawrence) Coleman of Memphis, Tenn. ; a son, LaDarryl (Beverly) Pryor of Harvey, Ill. ; a sister, Jessie Mae (William) Ayers, of Holly Springs, Miss. ; grandchildren, Courtney, Justin, Kendyll and Kennedy Hansbro, Evan Gary, Tiana and Imani McGill, Corry Rambert and Nakesha Driver; Godson, Marcus Quinn; best friend and brother-in-law, the Rev. Sam Wilson; special friend and Pastor Overseer Thomas Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.Show more
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