David Hampton Pryor

David Hampton Pryor

Aug 29, 1934 - Apr 20th, 2024
  • Birth Date: Aug 29, 1934
  • Death Date: Apr 20, 2024
  • Funeral Date: Apr 27, 2024, 2:00 pm
  • Location: Second Presbyterian Church at 600 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Biography: Former U.S. Senator David Pryor died peacefully of natural causes on April 20, 2024, at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 89 years old and surrounded by his family. A popular public figure, devoted family man, and self-effacing raconteur, he will be greatly missed. 
 
David Hampton Pryor was born in Camden, Arkansas, on August 29, 1934, to William Edgar and Susan Newton Pryor. He was the third of four siblings (Bill, Cornelia, and Elinor). His father, who went by "Edgar," owned a Chevrolet dealership in Camden and served as the Ouachita County Sheriff for four years. His mother, known widely as "Susie," championed women's suffrage and became the first woman in Arkansas to run for public office.  
 
Pryor's first foray into politics was in the third grade when he ran for class president against two other students. He later told of anxiously standing in the hallway outside the classroom as the votes were being counted: "I promised God that if He would let me win this election, I would never run for political office again." When he returned to the classroom and learned he had won, he said, "Before I returned to my seat, I was already planning my race for fourth-grade president." Such was the humor and passion that marked Pryor's life-long career in public service.  
 
After earning his college degree from the University of Arkansas in 1957, Pryor married Barbara Jean Lunsford and moved to Camden, where they founded and edited The Ouachita Citizen, a newspaper with a progressive bent in a conservative part of the state. David and Barbara formed a dynamic duo, acting as a single force that would serve as the blueprint throughout their rise in Arkansas and national politics. David would return to the University of Arkansas and earn his law degree in 1964. 
 
At the age of 26, Pryor won a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives, marking the beginning of a political career that spanned over three decades. His journey was marked by various offices, including State Representative, U.S. Congressman, Arkansas Governor, and U.S. Senator. He lost only one of 13 elections for public office. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his popularity and unwavering dedication to public service, leaving an indelible mark on Arkansas politics. 
 
Any time spent out and about with David Pryor meant an ongoing stream of people approaching for a handshake, embrace, or conversation. Pryor treasured these interactions. He was known to keep small notecards and a blue felt-tip pen on hand to jot the names and concerns of those he met and ensure they received his attention once he returned to work. Throughout his time in public office, he displayed a placard on his desk bearing the phrase, "Arkansas Comes First." The words summed up his life's work. 
 
While serving as a congressman in the late ’60s, Pryor famously went undercover so he could witness the unsafe conditions in nursing homes. House leadership rebuked his requests for hearings, so he established the unofficial "House Trailer Committee on Aging." His efforts led to significant improvements in America's nursing homes and the creation of an official House Committee on Aging. He ultimately chaired the Senate Special Committee on Aging in 1989 and the White House Conference on Aging in 1996.  
 
As Arkansas's 39th governor (1974-1978), he used his two terms to expand Arkansas tourism, improve all sectors of the state’s economy, modernize state government, and try to reform the state constitution. 
 
During his 18 years as a U.S. Senator, he was a stalwart advocate for seniors, farmers, families, and small businesses. His reformist zeal led him to tackle abuses in nursing homes, unethical consulting practices of government officials, fiscal responsibility in defense spending, pharmaceutical pricing practices, health care policy, and Senate ethics. In 1988, he authored the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.  
 
His leadership skills and authentic warmth led The Encyclopedia of Arkansas to dub him "arguably the most popular Arkansas politician of the modern era."  
 
Pryor left political office in 1997, and later that year rejoined his alma mater, the University of Arkansas, as the Fulbright Distinguished Fellow of Law and Public Affairs. In 1999, Pryor expanded his academic affiliations by becoming a fellow at the Institute of Politics of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He served as the IOP's director for 2000 and 2001. 
 
While at Harvard, Pryor traveled to Albania to volunteer for the International Rescue Committee and the Flying Doctors of America to help people in refugee camps. He drove trucks, handed out blankets, distributed food and medicine, and did whatever else he could do to ease human suffering. He was 67 at the time. 
 
In 1999, he donated the remainder of his campaign war chest to establish the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History. This center is part of the University of Arkansas system and stands as a tangible legacy of his life’s work. 
 
In 1997, he was the sole incorporator for the Clinton Foundation and later that year was named as one of three original trustees. In 2004, Pryor was named the Founding Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service and helped set the direction of the school’s mission. Pryor was also on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, where he was well known to favor a tilt towards students and academics over athletic programs.  
 
Pryor was appointed to the Corporation of Public Broadcasting in 2006 and served until 2014, acting as vice chairman from 2010 to 2011. In 2019, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award as a champion of public media’s trusted independent journalism, diversity and innovation, children's educational content, and local storytelling.  
 
Pryor was driven to serve and always put others ahead of himself. He lived "Arkansas Comes First" every day. In his 1996 retirement announcement, Pryor said, "Arkansas owes me nothing, and I owe Arkansas everything. Thank you."   
 
Pryor is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara; his three sons and their wives, David, Jr. and Judith Pryor, Mark and Joi Pryor, and Scott and Diane Pryor; his four grandchildren, Hampton, Adams, Porter, and Devin; and his favorite great-grandchild, Raven.  He is also survived by his two sisters, Cornelia Lindsey of Camden and Elinor Pryor of Little Rock.  
In lieu of flowers or food, please consider a donation toward David Pryor's legacy of public service by sending a donation to The David and Barbara Pryor Center for Oral and Visual History, 1 East Center Street, Suite 120, Fayetteville, AR 72701. You may give online at https://pryorcenter.uark.edu 
 
He will lie in state at the Arkansas State Capitol on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
 
The visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home at 6313 W. Markham in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  
 
A celebration of his life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 600 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  
 
His final resting place will be Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(12)
James W (Jim) Stanley
#12
Jun 12th, 2024 12:06 pm
Pryor Family,

I called on Senator Pryor several times, to help me in helping worthy Arkansas veterans seeking benefits or other veteran matters. He (and his staff) were always efficient, and kind. I remain grateful for his understanding The last time I saw Sen Pryor was at the highly popular BJ'S CAFE AT THE MARKET PLACE in NLR. (It is a bit of a red-neck // hole-in-the-wall location with marvelous food. Many times you will find the Pres. of a local bank lunching next to a gent who drives the Street Sweeper or serves as Dog Catcher - a highly important job in NLR where the community was called ''Dog Town' for many years.) This final occasion had Senators David and Mark plus his wife, Joi sharing a corner table. The two men stopped by us to chat a few moments . I mentioned the building where I had had my law office for 18 yrs had sold, so we were searching for a new spot for me to park my desk. David insisted we look at his former office, from which he had just moved two weeks earlier. We signed a lease on the building in less than an hour. (Another kindness from David.)

Our state and the nation will be much poorer because of his absence. We know composing a country committed to all cultures, colors characters and conditions of our people, we need leaders who are not promoting what stands between us - but rather what is before us. David Pryor is now history but his work and fine example will serve as guideposts into the future.

May angels surround you all,
Janie Harp & Family
#11
Apr 29th, 2024 5:37 pm
Barbara & Family,
Our deepest sympathies at this time. David Pryor was an outstanding man and a true beloved Arkansan. His life and legacy will live on for many generations to come. You and David touched our lives so deeply when Col. Douglas Harp, my husband, was appointed by Governor Pryor in 1975 to be the director of the Arkansas State Police. Governor Pryor’s dedication and trust during Doug’s term was unwavering. We had the pleasure of knowing your beautiful family, and you and David always made us feel special. My children Ashley and Will were very proud that you and David attended Doug’s funeral. Your dedication to the people of Arkansas is an inspiration to us all!
Sincerely, Janie, Ashley, and Will Harp
Jenny Adair
#10
Apr 28th, 2024 8:50 pm
Barbara and family: Am sending you my deepest condolences and love.
Bill Adair adored both of you and he helped Bill many times. You are forever in our hearts. Please know that Arkansas has lost a giant and will always... always be remembered.
All my love
Susan Webber Wright
#9
Apr 28th, 2024 9:29 am
To the family of David Pryor: Please accept my deepest sympathy. Senator Pryor was a kind, outstanding public servant who could graciously reach across the political aisle.
Kathryn Cherry
#8
Apr 25th, 2024 9:23 am
Barbara and Family:

Boy, do we have some history!!!

I am thinking of you at this time. I think it’s no secret the “Cherry Family” not only loved politics in Arkansas.. but we LOVED David Pryor. There was none other who led the brigade better than David. We applaud ALL your sacrifice, service, and dedication to making Arkansas a better place to live. It is with much sadness that I learn of this news. May you be comforted knowing how many of your friends and supporters are thinking of you and yours at this time. Kitty Cherry
James A.
#7
Apr 25th, 2024 8:52 am
Upon return from Viet-nam, as a Marine Officer, I was assigned Head, Marine Corps Casualty Section, HQMC, Washington, D.C.
All of our Marine Corps POWs and MIAs in North and South Viet-nam were transferred to the Missing and Capture Personnel Section, of which I was their Commanding Officer. My mission was to make certain the the Marine Corps created a positive Marine Corps relationship with the wives and children, and parents of all the Missing and Capture Marines.
In 1970, during a late afternoon meeting I had the occasion to brief Congressman Pryor on the status of one our Missing Marines, from the Congressman's district, Marine W.O. Solomon Godwin, later declared dead, remains recovered some years later.
After my brief, the Congressman suggested that I brief all the Arkansas Congressmen on the Missing and Captured Marines in their respective districts. Congressman Pryor picked up his phone and made me after working hours appointments with two of the other three Arkansas Congressmen. He was unable to locate Wilbur Mills. In the same time frame, with-in a matter of days the Congressman via an office memo to all the House of Representatives members, informed them a POW brief on their district Captured or Missing Marine was available.
My Marine Corps POW/MIA briefing process grew by leaps and bounds, with special entree into most of the Congressional offices, which eventually included most of the U.S. Senator's offices. David's initial suggestion made a difference in the lives of thousands of primary and secondary next-of-kin in all the Services. Thank you David! I enjoyed walking with you through Sam's on Saturday mornings.


Deborah Oates Erwin
#6
Apr 24th, 2024 11:34 am
David Pryor was one of my mother's, (Willie Oates) favorite statesmen. Saddened by his passing, and grateful for all he did for Arkansas. Last time I saw him in person was at a Razorback football game. Rest in Peace, Senator Pryor.
Lesley (Self) Hicks
#5
Apr 22nd, 2024 6:37 pm
My family was blessed to have known Senator Pryor for many years as he and my Dad (Jewell Self) knew each other well through their common interests in community, family, the UofA Fayetteville business and more. However, when my husband and I were returning home from a 2 year deployment in Italy I reached out to this amazing man and bigger than life Senator for help because the Army was billing us for a rather large sum of money which had been paid in full before we left for home (we wouldn't have been able to complete our discharge without clearing any and all accounts). When David read my letter to him he responded immediately, contacted my husband and me and he had an audit done immediately on all accounts for personnel.

Long story short, our account was cleared and we didn't have to repay what we had already paid in full for.

I will never forget the help he provided with this "clerical error;" but more importantly I will always remember how much he did for our state, our country, the friendship and mutual respect he had with my Dad and family.

Rest in peace and many prayers for all who knew Senator Pryor and especially his family.
Katherine McClerkin
#4
Apr 22nd, 2024 4:41 pm
Sending condolences to the Pryor family. Senator Pryor was legendary in politics, friendships and supporting many great causes.
Harold Tinsley
#3
Apr 21st, 2024 9:40 pm
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss, and I will pray for you family. In 1992 Senator Pryor came to my rescue when I need help with a hospital and doctor bill that I was having trouble with Office of Workers Compensation paying for my surgery and hospital stay. I wrote a letter to him, and he called me, and I explained to him that I had fallen and broken my knee and was getting the run around and very shortly after USPS Workers Compensation paid the bills and for that I will never forget he was a man of his word and knew how to get the job done. He later called to verify that the bills had been paid and ask me if I needed anything else. For that I am eternally grateful he came through when Blanch Lincoln, the Postmaster General and Dale Bumpers all just passed the buck.
Patty Clary
#2
Apr 21st, 2024 9:33 pm
He was one of the finest man I have ever known. Prayers for the family.
Michael G. Thompson
#1
Apr 21st, 2024 12:36 pm
Barbara: I was so saddened to hear of David's passing. He was a great and long time friend and I share many wonderful memories of my time with David and you over the years. Please accept my sincerest sympathies. Mike

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