Wesley “Wes” Westmoreland Pritchard ’53

Wesley “Wes” Westmoreland Pritchard ’53, 79, a resident of Cleveland, Tenn., passed away March 6 at the family residence. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He graduated from UTK in 1954, where he was the first “Smokey handler.” He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne. Pritchard was actively involved in his community, where he served on the board of Bachman Home/Academy, Cleveland Utility Board, Cleveland Associated Industries, the Boy’s Club, and Main Street of Cleveland. He was a member of the Civitan Club, involved in Junior Achievement, and a trustee of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #1944. Pritchard was the recipient of the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award. After leaving active duty in 1957, Pritchard joined American Uniform Company and later became president of their dust tex division. He started Permna Color in 1967 and Specialty Chemical Co. in 1976. He was also the owner of Pik-Quik Convenience Stores. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Dorothy Westmoreland Pritchard. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Koltun Pritchard, 3782 Bowman Circle Dr. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312-5017; daughter, Patricia Pritchard Pendergrass (Stan); grandchildren, James Westmoreland Pendergrass and Abby Corinne Pendergrass; and special caregiver, Rick Stevenson.