When Willie Pritchett, Jr. was a young boy growing up in Newnan, he’d often see his parents doing something for his younger brother Vincent.
Instead of complaining to his parents that Vincent was getting something that he wasn’t getting, Willie would say “‘If you’re doing it for him, you don’t have to do it for me,’” Vincent Pritchett said.
That giving spirit stayed with Willie Pritchett all his life, said his daughter, LaKeisha Martin.
“He was just that person who always made it about everybody else,” said Martin. “He’s just the person you always know is going to be there.”
Pritchett was there not only for his family but also the community. He served as a police officer for the Newnan Police Department for eight years, his daughter said. He coached Little League, Pony League and girls’ softball.
“We bless my sister-in-law for being so generous to share Willie,” Vincent Pritchett said. “He gave a lot of time to this community.”
Willie Frank Pritchett, Jr., 56, passed away Jan. 16, 2016 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital from a heart attack.
Pritchett was born April 25, 1959 to Willie Frank Pritchett Sr. and Carrie Pritchett. Vincent, his only sibling, looked up to his older brother with awe because of his kindness and generosity. He had other strong skills, too, said those who knew him.
“He knew how to get things done,” said Vincent Pritchett.
Willie Pritchett graduated from Newnan High School in 1977 and went into the police academy to fulfill a life-long dream of being a police officer. He married Rosa Mae Robertson in 1981 and remained happily married.
The couple had one child, LaKeisha. Willie, however, took it upon himself to be a father figure and mentor to dozens of young people in Newnan who needed guidance.
In addition to his coaching, he took children to history museums, civil rights museums in Alabama and Georgia, and other places where they could learn of their history — and envision their future.
With his mother, Carrie, and a friend, Clarence Bohannon, he started a youth group in 1995 called “United We Stand for Positive Results.” Once a year, Pritchett and his group would host a cookout at the housing projects, his brother said, making barbecue for anyone who wanted it.
“He loved to cook,” said his brother. He also would cook for various family reunions, his daughter said, and love tail-gating at Atlanta Falcons games. Her favorite dish prepared by her father was prime rib.
After Pritchett left the police department, he indulged his love of driving and became a truck driver. He drove big rigs for Eckerd Distribution and Rite Aid Corporation around the Southern states on countless trips. In 2010, he went into business with his daughter and her husband, Antoine.
He also served as chair of the Newnan Housing Authority, his daughter said.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Mae Pritchett; daughter LaKeisha Martin and husband Antoine; parents Willie Frank Pritchett Sr. and Carrie Pritchett; and grandchildren Shea, Makenzie, Darius, DeAnthony and Keelyn Martin.
The funeral for Willie Pritchett was scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. at Saint Smyrna Baptist Church in Newnan. Pritchett was a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in the Coweta County town, but the family needed to find a bigger venue.
“There are just too many people who want to be there,” said Vincent Pritchett.
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