John Leslie "Les" Prichard

John Leslie Prichard of Meridian passed away on April 6, 2020. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Prichard was born in Starkville, Mississippi on January 15, 1930 to Florence and L.M. Prichard.  Growing up, he loved to fish, held a paper route, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  After graduating Starkville High School in 1948, he and his friend Jimmy McElroy went to New Orleans to enlist in the Navy.  He spent twelve weeks in San Diego for basic training, after which he was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska for one year.  He then came home and attended his beloved Mississippi State University.  He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and the golf team.  After graduation, he spent two years as an officer in the Navy.  He was stationed at Treasure Island before attending law school at the University of Mississippi.  After graduation in 1958, he joined the FBI and was stationed in Los Angeles for two years.  He returned once more to Mississippi when his friend Tommy Jones called to let him know there was an opening with the firm of Floyd, Cameron and Deen in Meridian.  He met Susan Weaver at Central United Methodist Church, and they were married in July 1961.  They moved to Oxford where Mr. Prichard served with the U.S. Attorney’s office.  In 1963, they finally settled in Meridian where they raised five children.

Mr. Prichard was a partner with the firm of Deen, Cameron, Prichard and Young, and he continued to practice on an “of counsel” basis with Bordeaux and Jones after his official retirement.  When he wasn’t working, he could usually be found on the golf course.  Known as “Bear” around the clubhouse, Mr. Prichard scored five holes in one in his lifetime, although he always insisted it was only luck.  His other great passion was the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and he was very proud of the fact that all five of his children graduated from MSU.   He loved spending time with his family and made many friends of all ages throughout his life.   He never met a stranger and had a kind word for everyone.  He was a faithful member of Central United Methodist Church.  He will be remembered as an adoring father, grandfather and friend, and a man of great integrity.

He is survived by his children, John Prichard, Arlington, Virginia; Pete Prichard, Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Kelly Freyer (Reese), Madison, Georgia; Marion Bridges (Spence), Houston, Texas; and Melissa Foster (Chuck), Nashville, Tennessee; and grandchildren Will Bridges, Molly Bridges, Reese Freyer IV, and Susie Freyer.   Mr. Prichard was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Weaver Prichard; his sister, Marion Coggin; and his dear friend, Lallage Dilworth.

The family thanks the staff of Christa House for their loving care over the last two years.  They also extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Anderson Regional Medical Center for their selfless service and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  A memorial service will be planned at an appropriate date.  Family and friends are invited to sign the guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.