Obituary of William W. Pritchard

William Winther Pritchard, our adored father, grandfather, and husband, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Tulsa, OK.  Bill/Willie/Pritch was born March 20, 1951, in Tulsa to parents Kay and Jim Pritchard. He was raised in Bartlesville, OK.  His childhood was idyllic, riding his bike delivering papers, running around, and making mischief with his sister, brother and lifelong best friends. Bill and his buddies pushed the limits at College High, where he played varsity basketball with his brother and best friends. He continued his studies at the University of Kansas, pledging Sigma Chi and graduating with honors with a degree in history. He was a wealth of information on all things WWII. Upon graduating from KU he attended The University of Tulsa, earning a Juris Doctorate in law. Bill joined Parker Drilling Company, where he was general counsel for 23 years. Practicing law kept his mind sharp for many years and brought countless friendships along the way.

Bill was a member of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church for 45 years. He rarely missed a Sunday sermon even if he was 30 min late. He quietly involved himself with BSF and cherished men’s groups all centered on learning about and seeking out Christ. We always knew our dad loved Jesus with his whole heart.  Pritch loved to golf. He loved playing golf with his buddies and holding his friends captive for the many hours on the course with his wild stories and comedic routines. He loved to travel with friends and family all over the world. He could make any place a quick history lesson and somehow bring it back to “If it wasn’t for the US they’d be…….!!!”.  He was a patriot.

Our Dad was the greatest father and grandfather. He never missed any of his kids activities. He was our fearless leader and wise counselor. He leaves behind his eldest daughter and son in law, Jane and Jeff Matulis of Tulsa; daughter Kathryn and Michael Shelley of Oklahoma City; son Rob and Rebecca Pritchard of Houston. His true pride and joy is his grandchildren: Kathryn, Cole, and Anna Matulis; Susie, John and Caroline Shelley; Winn, Vaughn, William Knox, and Estie Pritchard. We apologize for how much all of you had to listen to stories about each and every one of them. DaeDae thought everyone needed to hear about his grandkids always!

Willie left behind his wife of 52 years, Susan Jane Parsons. They married young and truly remained each other’s counsel over the years of raising their beloved children and grandchildren. They were on the same page when it came to family being first. He also leaves behind his sister Kathryn and John “Locks” Lockard; and brother Bob “Gold” and Leslie Pritchard. He loved and adored all of his nieces and nephews, who lovingly called him “Uncle Bill”. He also loved to push his and their boundaries, disregarding basic human safety. All injuries due to boat tubing are past the statute of limitations.

We celebrate William W. Pritchard’s life and his homecoming at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian church, 4102 E. 61st Street, Tulsa, OK  74136.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to any of these organizations: Contact - Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Bartlesville Community Foundation or John 3:16 Mission 

Ninde Funeral | Mosaic Memorial Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com