Claudius Pritchard, Jr. SUMMERVILLE - Dr. Claudius (Claude) H. Pritchard, Jr., President Emeritus of Maryville University, St Lous, Missouri, died Monday, June 27, 2023 in Summerville, South Carolina. He was born June 28, 1927 in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Dr. Claudius (Claude) H. Pritchard and the late Katherine Ellison Pritchard. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Grace Pritchard Earhart. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie Pullen Pritchard and four children: Virginia Pritchard Ashby (Richard), Katherine Pritchard Napier (Ronald), Olivia Pritchard Sharpton (James) and Claudius H. Pritchard, V (Mary Beth); eight grandchildren: Alan Ashby (Lacey), David Ashby (Mae), Marjorie Ashby Davis (Michael), Andrew Napier, William Napier, Mary Katherine Napier Bailey (Brendan), Claudius H. Pritchard, VI, and Jeanie Pritchard; six great-grandchildren: Kate, Ryan, Madison, and Steven Ashby, Walker and Mary Virginia Davis. A graduate of Boys High School, Atlanta, Georgia, he served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He received his BA degree from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia, his MA from Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia, and his PhD. from Florida State University, Tallahassee. Following graduation from Hampden-Sydney, he worked for American National Bank in Danville Virginia before moving to Farmville, Virginia to work at Planters Bank and Trust Company. He then worked for Hampden-Sydney College for 16 years, first as an Assistant to the President, then Business Manager, and later as Vice President for Development. After receiving his PhD., he worked for a year for the State of Florida as Senior Budget Analyst for Education. He spent the next four years as President of Sullins College, Bristol, Virginia. In 1976, accepted the position of Vice President of Administration at Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri and then served as President for 15 years, where he presided over a period of dynamic growth. At retirement in 1992, Dr. Pritchard was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Years later, Maryville honored him by naming a hall in the administration building for him, and last year he was inducted into the Maryville University Athletic Hall of Fame. Active in civic and community affairs, Dr. Pritchard served as president of the Lions and Jaycees (Farmville, VA), Rotary Club (Bristol, VA-TN), Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce (Chesterfield, MO). In Chesterfield, he served as a charter member of that city's Planning and Zoning Commission and in 1986, he was named the Chesterfield Citizen of the Year. In Summerville, SC he served as chairman of the Commercial Design Review Board. He was a member of the Summerville Rotary Club. A lifelong Presbyterian, he had served as an elder and as a deacon in several Presbyterian (US) churches. He was a member of Summerville Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 at White Church Cemetery, Summerville. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the Maryville University Pritchard Scholarship Fund, 650 Maryville University Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jul. 1 to Jul. 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Claudius Pritchard

Sponsored by James A. Dyal Funeral Home.

14 Entries

Lea Jones

June 23, 2025

Time has a way of passing so quickly. My condolences on this day of rememberence.

Lea Jones

June 23, 2024

My hope is that family and friends are helping to carry you through your time of remembrance with Dr. Pritchard.

Mark McKissick

December 21, 2023

Kathy so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I saw the notice in the Longwood Lancer. Hope you are well. Mark McKissick.

H. Lea Jones, Jr.

Planted Trees

Herbert Lea Jones, Jr.

August 4, 2023

To the Pritchard family : I just recently learned of the passing of Dr. Pritchard. I find the news saddens my heart greatly but what a wonderful life of service he lived. I always had so much respect for him and the presence he carried. I have so many joyful memories with you all and your time in Bristol and Sullins. I'm just very grateful for the contact and closeness I received and shared with your family during your stay in Bristol. I will say I have not forgotten those times and I am so very thankful for them. Those times and your kindness will remain with me forever.
I will pray for your family and ask our Loving God to hold you all close in His arms and comfort your family in this time of sadness.
May God bless your family. Lea

Jim Warren

July 7, 2023

A Virginia Gentleman in every sense of the word and dear friend of our family.
Jim & Karen Warren
Bristol, Virginia

Sheriff Tyrone Foster

July 7, 2023

Sheriff Tyrone Foster and the Members of the Bristol Virginia Sheriff's Office send their condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Family members of Dr. Claude Pritchard. May you find peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your loved one.

Sheriff Tyrone Foster
Bristol Virginia

Timothy Kirkendall

July 6, 2023

It is such an honor to serve your sweet family. Claude found a place in my heart and I will never forget him.

Marianne Haberstroh

July 4, 2023

Dear Marjorie and Family,
As you celebrate a life well lived may your cherished memories fill your hearts with peace! I always enjoyed working with Dr Pritchard and his kind and gentle heart. He was certainly respected by all at Maryville where his legacy will live on. May his peace with the Lord be your strength at this most difficult time. I am glad I had the opportunity to know Dr Pritchard and his family.
May the memories of his wonderful spirit and his many contributios along his journey be celebrated by all. Thoughts and Prayers Marianne Haberstroh

Lisa and Len Finkle

Planted Trees

THE WANNAMAKER FAMILY

July 3, 2023

Our belated and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all of his other loved ones during all of their times of bereavement, mourning, and grieving. IN THE HOLY, AND PRECIOUS NAME OF our PERSONAL LORD, AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST AMEN, AND AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gordon D. "Dal" Schreck

July 3, 2023

I´m a proud Hampden-Sydney College grad, Class of `65, and had the pleasure of being on the Hill with Claude also a Hamden-Sydney man, for 4 of the years he served admirably there as the college´s business manager. After graduation from UVA Law, I moved to Charleston, SC and lost touch with Claude, until he and Marjorie relocated to Summerville, following his retirement from Maryville. In the early 80s, I organized the H-SC "Lowcountry" alumni chapter here, and was blessed to be reunited with Claude and Marjorie, when they attended several of our annual alumni gatherings at the Charleston Yacht Club. Remarkably, and despite his outstanding accomplishments and leader ship in higher education, he was the same kind, personable and humble young college administrator I remembered from mine student days. In short, he was the epitome of the "Hampden-Sydney man"! My heartfelt condolences to Marjorie and the rest of the family on clods passing, as they celebrate a truly well-lived life.
Gordon D. "Dal" Schreck, H-SC, B.A., `65, Trustee, 1999-2015

Jim McClellan & Nancy McClellan

July 2, 2023

Dr. Pritchard was an incredible human being who was inspired everyone he met. What he has done for education in St. Louis thru Maryville University can never be forgotten. We are so proud to have been a part of his wonderful life ! Condolences to his very special wife ! Thank You for everything !