Chalmer Pritchard

Chalmer Lee Pritchard passed away peacefully on Thursday March 12, 2009 at the age of 93.
Chalmer was the son of the late Octavius Coke Pritchard, and Lettie Collins Pritchard. Born in Bertie County, North Carolina on February 16th, 1916, Chalmer moved to Hopewell, Va in 1923 along with his parents, and 8 of his 9 brothers. The Pritchards became a well known and very active family in the City of Hopewell. After graduation from Hopewell High School, Mr. Pritchard attended George Washington University, Washington DC. Mr. Pritchard served 5 years in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan, where he attained the rank of Captain. After his service in the Military, he attended the University of Miami. Mr. Pritchard was involved in the clothing business in Richmond, Va. and Washington D.C. before opening "Clark and Pritchard Clothiers" in Hopewell, VA in 1947, along with his good friend, the late Bruce Arlington Clark. The two businessmen also owned a ladies clothing store in downtown Hopewell known as "Carole Lane Fashions", named after Mr. Clark's daughter Carole, and Mr. Pritchard's son Lane.Chalmer Pritchard has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Hopewell for over 80 years, where he has served as a Deacon, and president of the Men's Bible Study. In the community, Mr. Pritchard was a member and former President of the Hopewell Rotary Club. He was a former board member of the Chamber of Commerce, former Vice Chairman and Director Emeritus of Pioneer Federal Savings Bank and was a member of the Advisory Board for the Greater TriCity Signet Bank. Mr. Pritchard served 11 years on the Hopewell City School Board, as well as 4 years as Chairman. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Edna Anthony Pritchard, as well as his 3 sons, Chalmer L. Pritchard Jr, Lane A. Pritchard and wife Robin, and John M. Pritchard, all of Hopewell. Also surviving is his wonderful granddaughter Mary Dale Pritchard, his brother Douglas and wife Rosemary, as well as a large extended family of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Monday March 16th at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morris & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday March 17th at Appomattox Cemetery with the Rev. Jeff Raymond, pastor of First Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 401 N. 2nd Ave. Hopewell, VA 23860. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .