Ernest Alpheus "Bucky" Pritchard, Jr. passed away in Independence, Virginia on November 25, 2022, from complications of a stroke. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by immediate family.

Bucky was an eternal optimist, always had a sparkle in his eye, and could make the best of any situation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Doris Pritchard and his beloved sister Dee Dee Borum.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Scottie Pritchard; children Matthew Pritchard (Stacy) of Chesterfield, VA, Grayson Pritchard (Sarah) of Harrisonburg, VA, Ernie Pritchard (Amy) of Rochester, NY, Gini Greenlaw (Robert) of Fredericksburg VA; brother-in-law Robert Borum; ten grandchildren, a great granddaughter, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bucky was born on October 7, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama.  He graduated from Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond, Virginia, where he lettered in track and football.  He spent two hellish years at Virginia Military Institute before transferring to Emory & Henry where he majored in Biology, played football, and met his future bride, Scottie Benkelman.

He was drafted into the military and served in the United States Air Force for 20 years.  During his distinguished career in the Strategic Air Command he flew missions in Vietnam, and during the height of the Cold War kept the Russian Bear at bay with the nuclear-equipped FB-111.  Major Pritchard concluded his military service teaching aerospace physiology and training future fliers.  He was stationed at air bases around the world including Germany, Japan, New York, New Hampshire, and California.

After retiring from the Air Force, he began his second career pursuing his passion for teaching and coaching at Grayson County Public Schools.  He often said that it was his true calling in life and that the military had been the perfect training to become a middle school teacher.  "Coach P" taught for 23 years, was an assistant football coach for 19, and the head wrestling coach for 12.

Bucky served for several years as a Scout Leader with Boy Scouts in Wiesbaden, Germany and in Elk Creek, Virginia.  Two of his sons earned Eagle Scout and one Life Scout.

His last months were spent in Grayson Rehabilitation and Health Care Center where he was treated with love, respect, professionalism, and enough humor to keep him smiling.

Bucky Pritchard was a lifelong learner and worked to promote education for all of those around him, including his four children whom he made sure became university graduates.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and role model, he taught his grandkids to enjoy dessert first.  He devoted his life to the service of others, and made the people around him smile and laugh until the day he died.

He will be greatly missed.  In the words of airman and poet John Gillespie Magee, Jr. he has "slipped the surly bonds of Earth."

In lieu of flowers, Bucky requested donations to:

WVTF & Radio IQ
PO Box 2737, Roanoke, VA 24001
800-856-8900

Elk Creek Rescue Squad
9109 Elk Creek Parkway, Elk Creek, VA 24326
276-655-4240

Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department
547 Comers Rock Rd, Elk Creek, VA 24326
276-

A graveside service honoring Bucky's military career will be conducted on Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 PM at the Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery in Elk Creek, VA with the Grayson County VFW Chapter #7726 and the United States Air Force presenting military honors.