Harold Wesley Pryor Jr. (HP), 54, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, from a heart attack at his home in Wolf Creek, Montana. He was the only son born to Janice Anderson and Harold Pryor Sr. in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 20, 1964.
It was said that he entered the world as a “blue baby”. The doctor lifted him in the air, swatted him on the hind end and HP peed in the doctor’s face. That was HP. He was born the baby and was loved and cared for by all. He grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee alongside his two sisters and many cousins. HP followed his dad’s footsteps and at only three years old picked up his first musical instrument and started to play. You could find him and his dad performing at many festivals. He loved to play the guitar and mandolin. He loved to sing and listen to music from many genres. Sometimes life was not easy for HP and his family but he was a master at making something happen and solving a problem.
HP graduated from Gallatin High School and soon after joined the United States Army. Because of a heart murmur he had to work hard to enlist. But, with HP fashion he did everything he had to do to make it happen. He was a Military Police Sergeant and Investigator which led him to many new places such as Germany, Korea and California. During his career at Leavenworth Prison he helped solve a gang code. Something he was very proud of. He met lifelong friends during his service, including his buddy Sam Robbins. Sam was from Montana and gladly brought HP home to visit this beautiful state. It was the visit in 1988 that he would fall in love with Montana, the stars, big sky, wide open spaces and fresh air. He promised himself that someday he would settle in those beautiful mountains.
Apparently, he was quite the lady’s man, charming and kind. Perhaps that is why his days of exotic dancing were so successful. Some nights making upwards of $500. Although he was not always so lucky in love his prior relationships blessed him with sons Harold Jesse, Wesley and daughter Caitlynn. It was later in life that he would meet and fell deeply in love with his best friend, soul mate Julie Maxedon. After “shacking up for years” he and Julie married on December 8th, 2015 in Gallatin Tennessee. He always bragged how lucky he was to have found the love of his life.
He was a master at construction. After his father’s death he took over the business; designing, creating, and making people’s visions come to life. He loved custom creations. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or install. He had a green thumb and loved fishing, hunting, cooking, working on cars and caring for others. He was also often a silent angel. He did so much for others without telling a soul. He would gather eggs and deliver them to the projects. One year his family had to warm up and eat their Christmas dinner late. He had run to the store only to find himself helping a handicapped man that needed a ride to attend his own Christmas dinner. It was an hour and half trip but he could not stand the thought of this man being alone on the holiday. He always said “the true character of a man could be seen by the way he treated others when no one was looking.”
HP battled and kicked the crap out of cancer three years ago. During the countless hours of chemotherapy he shared hours of time with his mother in law (whom he lovingly called Lyssa), Aunt Betty and his sister Monica. He was brave, never complaining and fought hard. He cherished every second he shared with these three ladies. Maybe cancer was the driving force for him and Julie to quit their jobs, sell their home, pack all their belongings, their animals and head to Montana. Excited to share the quieter life in the mountains that he immediately called home. His Montana dream was finally coming true. Although only in Montana a short year and half they met many friends and made many memories on that hill. He bagged his first elk last fall and had plans of tagging many more. He and Julie worked tirelessly on their new home and the beginning of the rest of their lives. He could not wait to be finished, to sit down, drink a beer and look at their mountains. Sadly that day did not come.
Although sometimes direct and maybe a bit stubborn, HP was also witty, often funny, full of jokes and quite a character. If you were a friend of his you knew that you were a friend. He welcomed you into his home and made you feel as though you were part of his family. His home was a safe place, there was no judgement and your secrets were always safe. You never asked him a question if you didn’t want to hear the truth, harsh or not. Even as a child he loved deeply. Julie has said “my life is better because of knowing him; he was the love of my life.”
Harold is preceded in death by his dad Harold Pryor Sr, his mother Janice Anderson and favorite Aunt Betty. Not even a day after HP’s death his mother in law Marion (Christine, Lyssa) Maxedon joined Harold on his journey.
Harold is survived by his best friend, the love of his life, wife: Julie (Wolf Creek, MT), Sons Harold Jesse (Katie Jessie, daughter Marin), Wesley (sons Colston and Braylon) and his daughter Caitlynn. His sisters Monica Frost (Terry) and Melinda Fischer, Brother Sam Robbins (Heather), Brother and law Eric Maxedon (Valerie), several nieces and nephews as well as his well-loved dogs Rock, Eli, Duece, Hazel, Cooper. His cat Ralphy, the horses Stella and Rio, and bunnies Nadene and Hattie May.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
A viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. A celebration of life will follow the viewing at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Harold are suggested to tiny houses for homeless veterans by visiting https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/ or to Pads For Paws by visiting http://padforpaws.org/. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of HP.
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 8, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 8, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 8, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 8, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
COL(R) Dwayne Wagner says
A fine soldier.
A better man.
One of the most caring and balanced people I knew.
David Prusick says
Rest easy brother. We are all better people for having known you.
Greg Lowe says
A great Soldier who always told the unvarnished truth. He took care of his Soldiers and accomplished every mission with exceptional results. The world is a sadder place at his passing but is truly a better place because he was here. RIP my warrior friend.
Tracy Spencer says
You’ve touched many lives and many hearts, rest well my friend.
Martin Vandevelde aka Van says
HP always had a grin on his face. He was quick witted & he made work a little more bearable with his sense of humor. Rest easy now my friend your mission here is complete.
Edward Lee Guthrie says
Prayers and thoughts my brother. Go in peace and look after Remco until I get there. End of Watch.
Pete Trebotte says
Fond memories of a loyal and dedicated NCO, and a friend who could always put a smile on your face. It was my pleasure and honor to serve with him.
Shannon Swartzentrover says
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing, he gave my daughter away at her wedding, he will always have a special place in my heart for being so loving to Heather. My prayers are to his family for strength through God.
Eunie and Peter Healy says
I remember all those fishing stories that brought smiles to your sister’s face. You will be missed be so many family and friends. Rest I the arms of Jesus.
Marie Meador says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Meet Harold at Fort Leavenworth. He came to our wedding and we laugh where he spent the night. RIP my friend
Robert & Gail Hanson says
Our deepest condolences to your family. Harold will be missed. We very much enjoyed his friendship over the years. May he rest in sweet peace.
Jack Ennis says
An amazing soldier and an even better man… you were loved and respected by all who knew you my brother and you will be so deeply missed….rest easy until we meet again…..
Richard R. Danser says
It was a honor to serve with you. You were always making us laugh. You were an inspiration to us all. God Speed my Base Rat Brother
Kirk English says
It was an honor to serve with you. You always had a smile and we always had a great time even under our circumstances. A base rat forever and R.I.P our Brother
Harold Jessie says
Dad, we never get to spend all the time that we want with the people we love the most. In our case, no words more true we spoken. Thank you for the love the love that you have given to me. Some of my best qualities came from you. I’ll use them for good just as you did. I’ll love you for the rest of my life. And dont worry, I’ll take care of Julie
John Stir says
Harold you will be greatly missed. The lord took another outstanding person from this world, back home. His smile will always be remembered. Echo Tango Detla my great and loyal friend. Prays for the friends and family.
Shanna & Rufus Phillips says
Rest in peace our dear friend and former neighbor. Your sense of humor will certainly be missed.
Mary Ann Kennedy says
Rest in peace and thank you for your service Prayers go out to the family
Adrian Bevel says
Rest in Peace brother. It was an honor and a privilege knowing & working with you. You were truly one of a kind and one of the best men I knew. I am sorry I can’t attend your service but know that I am there in spirit. We will still be making our trip to Montana in July so will make sure we stop to visit you & Julie. Love ya bro!
Jeanne Brandes says
Prayers are flowing for the whole family from the Heart Sisters Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. You are in our thoughts and prayers….across the miles. So very sorry for your loss!
Jeanne Brandes
Steve Leverenz says
Another brother gone far too soon. Though we had not seen each other in a long time, I can still hear your voice. You were never one to hold back what you were thinking and you will truly be missed. Rest in Peace Brother !!!
Jim Haggerty Sr says
a great soldier and an even greater friend. I am blessed for having known you. You will be sorely missed. rest in peace my brother…
Paul Cervantes says
Harold and I worked many a night shift together. It was my extreme Honor to know him amd call him friend. R.I.P. my brother, till we meet again keep the cards dry.
Shep says
A precious man. One I loved. One I didn’t know was an exotic dancer and wish I could call him and cry laughing about it.
Ricky H. Streetman Sr. says
HP was a true Soldier. His memories will live forever in our hearts and minds. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Rest high on that mountain my friend. You are in Gods hands now. I know you will watch over all that had the Honor of knowing you.
Jeff Myers says
My friend. You will be missed. I will always be thankful for the good times we had.
Mark Swanagan says
Bro, I remember many days we would be cutting up and telling jokes in Base as we went through the shift dealing with the foolishness of the inmates! I have some fond memories of those days! Just two days before you had passed, we had a conversation on FB messenger about the days when we worked in the USDB library! Damn, who would have known that you would be gone two days later! RIP My brotha! Base Rats forever!
Fraternally
Brotha Swan aka Hump
Fidel Sanchez says
You will never be forgotten my brother. Thanks for the encouragement and support you gave me at Camp Humphreys Korea. When I saw the shadows and here the voices of my older brother. Who committed suicide two weeks before I arrived at Korea. I remember you told me that for sure I would never see him again until the day I will reunite with him again. That he didn’t die and will ever look out for me and family. Not to be afraid of sesvhis shadow or here his voice you said HP. That he only wants to let me know I was not alone sitting or laying down at my lonely room where many tears have dropped from many. I’ll alway remember your kind words and you took a space that my brother left. Keep smiling till I see you again and while there give a hug to my brother🧀 R.I.P.