Mr. Lloyd Samuel Pritchard

Mr. Lloyd Samuel Pritchard, 77, of Mt. Olive Church Road, Morganton answered the call of the Lord on Monday, October 20, 2008 while surrounded by his family at Grace Hospital. He was born in Burke County on April 23, 1931 to the late Fleming and Connie Morris Pritchard. He was also preceded in death by a brother named Lee. Mr. Pritchard was a loyal Deacon and member of McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church. He was a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War and retired from Drexel Furniture after 43 years.He was adored by his wife of 56 years, Bessie Epley Pritchard. He was deeply loved by his only child, Sheila Bumgarner. "Papa Dude" was utterly admired by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lloyd was a man who was more caring, open-hearted and generous than any other human could possibly be. He will be dearly missed by all his loved ones and all his furry friends (even strays) that he accumulated during his time on this earth.He is survived by his wife, Bessie Epley Pritchard, one daughter, Sheila Bumgarner, and husband, Robert; four grandchildren and their spouses, Chris and Regina Bumgarner, Scott and Shenia Bumgarner, Rodney and Dawn Bumgarner, and Robin and Jason Smith; six great-grandchildren, Wesley, Sara, Sam, and Haley Bumgarner, and Kelsey and Jacob Smith, all of Morganton.The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2008, at McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dennis Carswell officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour.