Rodney L. Pritchett, 61, of Ridgeway, VA passed away Friday, October 28, 2022, at his home. He was born July 12, 1961, in Winston Salem, NC to James Vernon Pritchett and the late Virginia Brackin Pritchett.
Rodney worked for Akzo Nobel chemical coating for 25 plus years in sales and service. Later, he attended Patrick Henry Community College and achieved his certificate in HVAC. After working in heating and air for a short period of time he went to work for the Martinsville City Sheriff’s Department. During his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he became a firearms instructor, an OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray instructor, and served on the Emergency Response Team, and later became the medical officer for the jail.
Rodney was also very active with fishing clubs, throughout Virginia. He served as the President of the Max Ten BASS Masters. Finally, Rodney was a very active member of his community in his earlier years. He was a member of the Fieldale-Collinsville Rescue squad, and the Fieldale Fire Department. Later, he joined the Martinsville Henry County Rescue Squad where he received his lifetime membership after 20 years of volunteer service.
Rodney also enjoyed earning certifications to teach and to name a few he became a HAZMAT instructor, Search and Rescue Instructor, High Angle Tactical Rescue Instructor, and an EVOC instructor. He also earned his EMT, Dive Rescue International Rescue Diver, and certified in vehicle extrication.
Hobbies enjoyed by Rodney included fishing, hunting, riding his Harley Davidson along with scuba diving and was always up for an adventure to see something new. Some of his favorite diving trips included Roatan, Bimini, and wrecks off the coast of Morehead City, NC. One of his most memorable dives included the U352, a German WW2 Submarine. He also enjoyed intramural softball teams, but his favorite sports included watching his family during game time or taking a special girl to her favorite bookstores.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years Bonnie Blair Pritchett; daughter, Carlie Pritchett; sons, Cooper Pritchett, and Jason Pritchett (Catherine) of Sneads Ferry, NC; grandchildren, Addison, and Haden; brother, Robin Pritchett (Ceal) of Maggie Valley, NC; and brother-in-law, Brian K. Blair of Danville, VA.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 3pm at Norris Funeral Services. A visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Rev. Ryan Riley and Pastor Ricky Bates will be officiating the service.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 240 Commonwealth Blvd W Unit 602B, Martinsville, VA 24112
Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, VA is serving the Pritchett family. Online condolences may be made at norrisfuneral.com
