Charles William Pryor

Charles William Pryor passed away on March 12, 2026.

Charlie (known as Will to his family and childhood friends) was born in Auburn, Alabama on September 11, 1949, to the late Arthur W. and Mary G. (Moore) Pryor. He is survived by his wife, Erica (Rihl), and his sister Mary (Sterling) Prophet, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlie grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, attending St. Mary’s School and Huntsville High School. He completed a bachelor’s degree in education with a double minor in theater at Auburn University. While attending Auburn, he was an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. During summer breaks he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon. He loved working in the woods among the tall trees. Charlie met his future wife while both were students at Auburn, and they were married there in 1976.

Charlie taught 5th through 8th grade social studies, art, and religion for four years at St. Mary’s School in Huntsville. He kept in touch with several of his former students over the years. Except for short stays in Oregon and Georgia, Charlie and Erica lived for many years in Birmingham, Alabama where Charlie worked for the Social Security Administration. While in Birmingham, he became a charter member of Knights of Columbus Council #7213 at Our Lady of Lourdes parish. He held several offices in the council, including Grand Knight.

Charlie was an artist, working mainly in pen and ink. He enjoyed the theater, especially the production design elements, and many types of music, including classic folk and Celtic.

The couple moved to Masonic Village at Sewickley in 2017. Charlie was an active member of the Art Committee at MVS, serving in the role of curator for several years.

Charlie was a lifelong, faithful Catholic and loved the mass. He was a devoted husband, loving brother and uncle, and steadfast friend; a good listener who provided wise counsel. He will be remembered by friends and family as a kind and caring person, and what he wished for most, as a gentle man.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, Pittsburgh, or other charity with a mission of serving the poor.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Charles William Pryor, please visit our Tree Store.