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Thomas Sherman Pritchard, 97, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at his home in Montezuma, N.C., surrounded by family. He was born in 1926 to Thomas Elmer and Lillian Childress Pritchard in Montezuma. Sherman was blessed with three wonderful sisters, Eleanor Pritchard Hefner, Marie Pritchard Shirley, and Carolyn Pritchard Hartley.
A graduate of Newland High School, Class of 1944, he served in the Army during World War II, establishing and managing officers clubs in the mountains of Italy. He graduated Steed Technical College in Johnson City using the GI Bill. It was there that he met his beautiful wife and business partner of 73 years, June Buck.
In 1959, Sherman started the Avery Journal, along with June, who worked alongside him their entire careers. They opened Sherman’s Ladies and Men’s Wear in 1975 in Newland and ran it for 36 years to his great joy. To the many employees at the newspaper and to those at Sherman’s, the family thanks you.
He was an original founder, president and director of Mountain Glen Golf Club, where he enjoyed playing into his ’80s. In 2011, he was named an Avery County Citizen of the Century. He was a 70+ year member of Linville Masonic Lodge and Oasis Shrine. Sherman was a lifelong member of Aaron Baptist Church in Montezuma and served as a deacon. He was known for his good humor and for his kindness to others.
He is survived by wife June and daughters Sherry Fletcher and husband Eddie of Banner Elk, and Mary Ann Pritchard of Montezuma. Also, precious nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice of The Blue Ridge for their exceptional care and love. Also to the hundreds of friends along the road and precious family. To Brent Price and Aaron Church, we couldn’t have weathered the storm if not for you. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Aaron Baptist Church.
A memorial service is planned for a later date. Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the Pritchard family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net
The care of Sherman and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland (828) 733-2121.