Robert \Bob\ Ray Pryor, 91, of Midland, Texas (formerly of Deming, New Mexico) passed away on December 20, 2017 at his residence at Helen Greathouse Manor, Manor Park, Midland, Texas. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Chapel, 2104 West Louisiana, Midland, Texas, on the 28th of December, 2017.Bob was born on June 11, 1926 in Porum, Oklahoma to William Harrison Pryor and Minnie Minerva Shoemake. He was the youngest of four boys in addition to six sisters. Bob attended high school in Clint, Texas and was inducted into the Army on October 13, 1944. He was sent to Camp Wolters in Mineral Wells, then to Camp Pendleton, and later boarded the USS General John Pope with the assigned destination of the Philippines, Manila and Luzon Islands. When Bob arrived in Luzon, he was assigned to the 37th Infantry Division Company E, 145 Infantry. He was a first scout and went ahead of the troops making sure it was safe for them to proceed. During Bob's enlistment, the Japanese surrendered and he was brought in from the battlefields. The 37th Infantry Division was being sent home, however, Bob was selected to stay and was transferred to Company A, 50th Military Police Battalion as a Technician Fifth Grade. He served for 12 months as a military policeman in Manila. Bob was a member of the motorized patrol responsible for the security and enforcements of Army regulations among military personnel. He was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation with Bronze Star, Philippine Independence Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and two Overseas Service Bars.Back home, Bob's sweetheart waited for his return. On September 27, 1947 Bob married the love of his life, Bettie Jo Vick. They lived in El Paso, Texas while Bob was employed by Safeway Stores and later El Paso Natural Gas Company. In 1956 Bob was transferred to Deming, New Mexico. Bob worked for El Paso Natural Gas for 37 years. On September 27, 2017, Bob and Bettie celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Bob is survived by his wife, Bettie of Midland, TX, two daughters, Robin Bishop and husband David of Midland (Greenwood), Texas and Judy Fellows and husband Cecil of Kerrville, Texas. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jennifer Tidwell and husband David, Kristen Leonard and husband Keith, Dustin Fellows and wife Lisa and Taylor Fellows. They have nine great grandchildren.Bob's passion has always been flying remote control airplanes, hunting, fishing and gardening. Most of all, Bob was very proud of his service to his country. He has lived his life with honor and dignity and raised a wonderful family that he taught to live by the same values. He had the sweetest spirit and a fantastic sense of humor. He was a shining example of a life lived based on Christian values and beliefs.The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff of Helen Greathouse Manor, Manor Park, Midland, TX, Dr. Chau Le, nurses and staff of TTU Geriatric Center, Odessa, TX, and staff at Star Hospice.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.,
