Dr. Joe Pryor
Dr. Joe Pryor died Friday night. Simply known by everybody as "Dr. Joe", he impacted this community we call Harding to a degree very few have ever matched, or ever will. I don't know if I have ever met a more humble man, or a man with more integrity. I know he was probably the most intelligent person I have ever known. He was so smart, it was scary. He had an endearing laugh, and he loved to laugh at himself as much as anything else.
I'll miss the bow tie. I'll miss the jet black hair. I'll miss the servant leadership. I'll miss just knowing he was there if I ever needed him.
Heaven is a happier place today!
I loved you Dr. Joe.
7 Comments:
Had him for earth science my freshman year and loved his passion for teaching. Can't forget seeing him as a mainstay for years at the scorers table for Bison b-ball games with the zebra shirt and of course...the bowtie.
A Great man.
I'll always remember the TNT formal mixer at his house (where the Bible building now sits). I'll always remember him as the presiding judge at the trial at the end of pledge week. And I will always remember the bow tie.
When I think of Harding, I always think of Dr. Joe Pryor.
One of my fondest memories of Dr. Joe:
After John and I got our wedding video back, we were watching the reception as the videographer was capturing all the wonderful people who were helping with it. The camera then went into the little kitchen of the fellowship room to show us Dr. Joe washing dishes at the sink.
We'd had no idea. John and I were so humbled by that. What a servant Dr. Joe was--in so many ways and to so many people.
Dr. Joe represented the epitome of what a Christian university administrator should be. He was brilliant, humble, approachable, and kind. He was a one-of-a-kind.
In the early 80s, an ice storm passed through Searcy, leaving the footing on HU's sidewalk a bit treacherous.
Here's the chapel announcement that followed, delivered by Dr. Joe in his best scratchy, academic tone:
"Please be careful on the sidewalks today as the coefficient of friction has been greatly reduced."
Great story Mike! I hope more will tell their memories of this Godly man. I just came from his memorial service not 10 minutes ago. WOW! Dr. Cliff Ganus said, and I quote: "I would have entrusted my soul to Joe Pryor".
Where do men like that come from?
DU
Dr. Joe is one of the reasons why truly humble men are remembered as great.
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