Thomas “Tom” Jefferson Pritchard, of Columbus, MS, passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021, after reaching the age of 94 years old. He passed at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS, peacefully with his family by his side.

Thomas was born October 8th, 1927, to the late Thomas J and Lillie Smith Pritchard of Union Church MS. He served our country in WWII and is a Korean War Veteran.

He was a faithful member of Wahabi Shriners in Jackson, MS, previous Captain of the Color Guard Unit and retired from the Illinois Central Railroad after 49 years of service.

He was of Methodist faith and was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Margaret Rials Pritchard; son, Thomas J. Pritchard Jr.; and several brothers and sisters.

Thomas is survived by his son, Joe (Cinde) Pritchard; and daughter-in-law, Mary Pritchard; one brother, George L. Pritchard; and sister, Mary Downey; grandchildren, Leigh (Randy) Dailey, Allison (JL) Labonte, Nikki (Brandon) Peacock, Tommy (Audrey) Pritchard, Nathan (Jill) Pritchard, Hal (Mary Margaret) Pritchard; 13 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

The family wants to express our deepest appreciation for the love, care, and support that was given to our father/grandfather from Sylvia Richardson, Garden Hill Personal Care home, and Baptist Hospice during this difficult time.

Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, is in charge of arrangements.