Obituary of Robert L. Pryor, Jr.

Robert “Bobby” Lee Pryor, Jr. made his transition on July 16, 2023, surrounded by his family in a room full of love. He was born May 31, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. Bobby was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Louise Bryant, bonus father Woody Bryant and father Robert Lee, Sr. and bonus mother, Helen Pryor.

Bobby attended public school in Chicago and was active in the Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow Ordeal, reaching the highest rank of Vigil in the Ordeal. Bobby graduated from Calumet  High School in 1971.

He loved working for the city of Chicago as a Special Equipment Operator and had no problem working in the extreme cold of his beloved city. He later worked in Hendersonville, TN, for the city in the same capacity and enjoyed camaraderie with his team for 27 years.

Bobby accepted Christ at an early age and found one of his passions in singing.  He was known as “The Bass Man” and sang with several choruses and ensembles. He began his singing career as a young understudy to Robert “Bob” Shannon and Willie Carter with the Youth Harmonizers. Bobby quickly became a staple with the chorus.

Later, in his teenage years, he branched out and sang with the Junior Soul-Stirrers a group comprised of cousins, the Angelic Singers, Special Blend, the National Youth for Christ choruses, the National Crusade for Christ Chorus, the Nashville Five and other “Jiffy Groups” (groups/ensembles needing a bass vocalist.) Bobby’s rich, natural bass voice was unparalleled and always in demand. Additionally, Bobby was the Assistant Director for the Angelic Singers of the 79 th Street/Chatham Avalon Church of Christ. A role he occupied for many years. Bobby was indeed, the consummate vocalist!

Bobby moved to Tennessee and in 1996 married Faye. He lovingly added Trey and Brittany to his family of three sons, Orlando, Ontario and Antonio. Bobby’s singing talent continued at Schrader, as he sang in the Schrader Lane Adult Chorus for many years. However, his skills were not just limited to singing. He was an expert photographer and led the Photography Ministry with several of his pictures prominently displayed around the church building. Additionally, Bobby served as a Zone Leader for Sumner County.

Bobby had an infectious smile and a great gift for encouraging and motivating others. His influence and support made “the visionary” Faye think that she could do anything …and he would be right there reassuring and aiding her. They complemented each other and were truly a team. Bobby’s outreach to others knew no limits. He positively touched the lives of numerous young people with love, support, and advice. Many affectionately called him “Dad.” His cooking and baking skills were unmatched. Faye proudly called the kitchen, “Bobby’s Kitchen.” His delicious pound cakes were shared with many members of the congregation. He used his chauffeuring skills to assist church and family. In addition to driving locally, Bobby unselfishly drove people to visit loved ones across the country. His care and service to others extended until his health started to fail. 

Bobby’s love for his children and grandchildren was exemplary.  He regularly called the children, the daughters -in- love, the grandchildren, and god-children to check on them.  He loved the Kennedy Family Reunions and worked hard to ensure all of the Pryors would be present.  Being a “Big Brother” to his siblings, Bobby shared a loving and special relationship with them. Bobby’s testament to humanity was his unique ability to love others and to be loved in return. 

Those who will cherish his memories, his devoted wife Faye, sons Orlando (Mia), Ontario (Natasha), Antonio (La Tia), Trey (Janean) and daughter, Brittany; grandchildren: Orlando Jr., Deja, Kyle, Seiko, Jaylan, Kyomi, Laila, Landon, Delon, Ontario Jr., Antonio Jr., IV, and Langston; five great-grandchildren, sisters, Adrianne, Donna (Darryl) Raines, and brother Keith (Cynthia) Pryor;  sisters-in-law, Jolaine Howse and Yvette (Sam) Garrett; aunts, Irene Hurd and Janice Cooper;  long-time friends, Marvin Battle and Andre Belle;  special cousin-friend, Darwin (Norma) Mason Sr.; bonus daughter, Belinda (Davon) Lowery; bonus son, Jeremy (Ashley) Terry; nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Please keep the Pryor family in your thoughts and prayers. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO THE LUPUS FOUNDATION: www.lupus.org