Lawrence C. Pritchard

Lawrence Charles Pritchard was born July 20, 1949 in Austin, Texas, the only child of Tom and Dot Pritchard. His early years were filled with barbeque and cookouts as is befitting for the Lone Star State. When Larry was eleven years old his family relocated to Amanda, Ohio—the home of his parents and grandparents.

After graduation from Amanda-Clearcreek High School he matriculated to Ohio State University where he filled his life with Buckeye stories which he always delighted in sharing.

Larry interrupted his education to join the US Marine Corp where he proudly trained as a fighter pilot. When the Vietnam conflict ended he returned to Ohio to finish his education. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Linda James. They married and relocated to the Orlando area where their home was filled with music and laughter and love.

Multiple career options were available but he opted for the life of a classroom teacher. "Pritch," as he was fondly called, spent thirty-two years as a social studies teacher at Lake Howell High School. He taught a variety of different classes but undoubtedly his favorite was AP European History—his students repeatedly posted the highest sores in the county. He was frequently voted favorite teacher by the graduating seniors and in 2004, he was named "Teacher of the Year." When asked why he didn't go into a more lucrative field his response was "I wouldn't have had as much fun."

A lover of the outdoors, Larry enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping and spending time at the beach.

A self-described Anglophile, he loved all things British and always claimed that London was his favorite city and Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, his favorite book. He and Linda traveled extensively, but without a doubt his fondest memories were of England and his ancestral home, Wales.

After retirement, Larry enjoyed reading historic fiction and spending time with a vast circle of friends. The only thing that could interrupt these pastimes was Buckeye football. If a friend stopped by when a game was on TV, it was imperative that the game remain on, and enthusiastic cheering was required from anyone present.

Larry was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Linda. He is survived by his cousins, Don Burger and Jan Hartlauv, both of Ohio, and an array of friends, many of whom he considered "adopted family."

Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home in Longwood. A Celebration of Lawrence Pritchard's Life will be held Monday, December 16th at 3:00pm.

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