Thomas Eugene "Tommy" Pryor

Services for Thomas Eugene "Tommy" Pryor, 81 of Tyler were held April 5 at Lloyd James Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Tyler Memorial Park.

Mr. Pr yor passed away on April 2, 2007 in Tyler. Mr. Pryor was born on April 9, 1925 in LaGrange, Ga., to the late Henry Eugene Pryor and Mattie Frank Holmes. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone after 40 years and was a member of Westwood Baptist Church. He was a life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, member of St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 53, past worshipful master and received the Golden Trowel Award. He was past high priest of York Rite Bodies, Royal Arch Masons Tyler Chapter No. 24, past master of Royal and Select Masters Council No. 13, past commander, Commandery Knights Templar Ascension No. 25, and past sovereign, Red Cross of Constantine. He received the Excalibur award and was a life sponsor of K.T.E.F. During WWII, he served in the Navy and lived in Tyler most of his life. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, John H. and Henry F. Pryor.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary E. Pryor, Tyler; son, Gene Pryor, Whitehouse; daughter, Patty Venegas, Tyler; brother, Charles Frank Pryor, Blythe, Calif.; sister, Nell Anderson, Tyler; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were members St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 53. Honorary pallbearers were Ascension Commandery Drill Team No. 25.

If desired memorials may be made to Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 1000 E. State Parkway, Suite I, Schamburg, Ill. 60173. or to Alzheimer's Alliance of North East Texas, 3613 S. Broadway, Tyler, 75701.