On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Cranston Pryor, Jr. completed his earthly assignment and gained his heavenly wings, transitioning peacefully with his loving and devoted wife, Valerie Pryor, by his side. To his family, he was affectionately known as Cranston or "Tippy"—a name that carried warmth, humor, and the unmistakable spirit of a man who loved deeply, gave generously and lived fully.

Born July 8, 1955, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Oliver was the beloved son of Oliver C. Pryor, Sr. and Julia Martin Pryor. He was one of a large and cherished family, survived by his siblings Jerome Martin (Denise), Gwen Pryor- Cook, Hope Pryor Hardeman, Virgil Pryor, Ira Duncan Pryor, Leslie Pryor, Taber Martin, Kenny Eddins, Sheila E. Curry (Frank), Stevie Hart, and Susie Hart. He was preceded in death by siblings Adrian Eddins and Dawn Pryor, as well as his parents; maternal grandparents Theodore R. Martin and Annie Russell Swift Martin; paternal grandparents Karl Pryor and Gertrude Swinson Pryor; and dear aunt Wanda Pryor Martin, along with her son Lester D. Martin.

Oliver was the proud and devoted father of three children—Brian Oliver Pryor (Jacquelyne), Binanca Noelle Pryor, and Noah Tyler Pryor—each of whom he loved with unwavering pride. He cherished his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy: Destani, Justice, Brilyne, Phoenix, Israel, Journii, Jai'lei and Haven. He also supported the village of each family member as figure of strength and wisdom.

He was blessed with a wide circle of uncles, aunts, and cousins whom he held in the highest regards. He shared a special closeness with his uncles -- Clifford, Lawrence, Howard, Tony, Eric "Ricky" and Jerry, and with cousins Stanley, Victor, Leighton Carter (deceased), and Ava Carter. His special aunt, Bettie Ann Fields, held a unique place in his heart.

A Life of Discipline, Service, and Excellence

Oliver was educated in Albemarle County Public Schools and graduated from Albemarle High School where he excelled as a standout athlete in track and field and basketball. Known for his strong work ethic even as a teenager, he held various part-time jobs throughout high school—early signs of the discipline and determination that would shape his life. Following graduation, Oliver enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished military career marked by leadership, integrity, and honor. He later completed Officer Candidate School, rising to the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His specialty was Quartermaster, and throughout his decades of service he served at multiple duty stations including Saudia Arabia, Somalia, and Bosnia. His exemplary service earned him numerous awards and commendations, among them Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He also pursued additional education and professional development throughout his military career, completing a Bachelor of Science from Campbell University, (NC) and an MBA from Central Michigan. Oliver served as Senior Action Officer for the Army G-4 at the U.S Pentagon.

A Man of Brotherhood, Community, and Service

Oliver was a proud and devoted member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., initiated through the Fort Lee – (Fort Gregg-Adams) (VA) Alumni Chapter. served faithfully for decades, embodying the fraternity's principles of achievement, service, and brotherhood. His dedication earned him multiple awards and the respect of his fraternity brothers across generations.

Oliver enjoyed coaching youth in various capacities including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field. He was committed to coaching his grandchildren and the Fredericksburg (VA) Alumni Chapter's youth baseball team.

He also believed deeply in civic responsibility. Oliver served with the Fredericksburg Election Board and assisted with voter registration, contributing his time and leadership to ensuring fair and accessible elections for his community.

A Legacy of Love, Family, and Fellowship

Oliver loved his family with a full and generous heart. He was known to sponsor and attend family gatherings, where he delighted everyone with his fresh fried fish, homemade cakes, and signature pies—a culinary ministry all its own. His presence brought joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness wherever he went. He will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and boundless love.

Oliver and Valerie cherish a special love as they were married on October 10, 2014. This included giving back to their community. As members of the Strong Tower Church, they gave generously through coat drives, back to school supplies in service to others. Oliver accepted Christ early in his life and especially loved to sing in various choirs at Mount Olive Baptist Church. His relationship with God was pivotal to their ministry to love your neighbor as yourself. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the soldiers he led, the brothers he served besides, and the countless lives he touched with kindness, humility, and grace.

Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Cranston Pryor, Jr. has completed his earthly mission with honor. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the ancestors who welcomed him home.

A viewing will be held at Strong Tower Church, 234 Ferry Road, Fredericksburg, VA, 22405, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM. The interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA, 22172, on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 1:30 PM.