Richard Roy Pry

Richard Roy Pry went home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2026. He was born January 7, 1947, in Hominy, Oklahoma, part of a surprise set of twin boys born to James Alva and Mary Jean (Hecox) Pry. He grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating from Tulsa Central High School in 1965.

Rick attended the University of Tulsa for one year, then entered the U. S. Navy in 1966, serving actively for 4 years followed by 6 years in the Navy Reserves. Rick was first stationed at the Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he worked in intelligence with the Pacific Command, receiving commendations from Admiral John McClain, Jr. After his service at Pearl Harbor, Rick continued his service on the USS Hector as a legal yeoman. Also, a lot of tennis was played at his time in Hawaii where he was part of a winning doubles team at the all Navy tournament.

He returned to Oklahoma to finish his education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, earning a bachelor's degree in 1974 and then his master’s degree in 1978. He was a member of the marching band and Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity. It was at NSU that he met his wife Jean Annette Miller, who happened to be the freshman roommate of Rick’s younger sister, Susan. Rick and Jean were married on May 20, 1972 and raised two daughters, Deborah and Jennifer.

Rick was employed for 38 years at Midwestern/Tri-B nurseries in the sales department. He also served as the Band Booster President for the Tahlequah band program and joined the high school jazz ensemble during that tenure. He also served as Board Chairman for First Christian Church before becoming involved at First United Methodist. He served as an usher, volunteered with the Tuesday Morning Service group, and loved volunteering with Vacation Bible School. He was also an honorary member of the United Methodist Women’s group. He enjoyed being outside, playing golf, supporting both of his daughters in all their band adventures. Rick took great pride in watching his daughter Jennifer run races, cheering from the sidelines, from elementary school through the present. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Mary Jean Pry, his sister, Susan Goodman, and three grandchildren: Richard James Harrison, Scarlett Annette and Mary Jean Anne Perryman.

Rick is survived by his wife, Jean, of the home; two daughters, Deborah Pope and husband Joe, and Jennifer Perryman and her husband Matt; granddaughter, Abigail Pope, grandson, Trey Pope, and grandson, Kaiden Perryman; He is also survived by his brother, Ron and his wife Rosie; nephews, Ron Pry and David Goodman, nieces, Becky Dismuke and Ragen Pry, four grandnephews, and two grandnieces, and last but not least, his feline companion, Molly Anne.

A celebration of life service will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, 1:00 PM, at Tahlequah United Methodist Church.

A memorial visitation will be Sunday, March 29, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah.