Obituaries
Ronald Stephen Pritchard, M.D.
June 10, 2026
Ronald (Ron) Stephen Pritchard, M.D., age 70, of Little Rock, Arkansas, slipped the surly bonds of Earth and ran into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, following an extended illness. He was born in Russellville, Alabama, on March 26, 1956, and was the youngest son of his late parents, Dr. Tyrus Pritchard and Zelma Poduska Pritchard.
Ron was a 1974 graduate of Russellville High School in Russellville, Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of South Alabama in 1977. He graduated in 1981 from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Ron’s desire was to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a general surgeon, but he quickly learned that knot tying was not his forte.
He went on to specialize in Diagnostic Radiology and completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency at Baptist Medical Centers Montclair and Princeton in Birmingham, Alabama. He then completed a fellowship year in Interventional Radiology under the esteemed tutelage of Dr. James Ballard. Following the completion of his fellowship year, he began his career in private practice.
Ron married the love of his life Darla, on August 2, 1980. They had two beautiful children, Christopher and Karen, who were the apple of his eye. He enjoyed many activities, especially if his family was involved.
In his free time, Ron enjoyed cruising vacations, the great outdoors, fishing, gardening, lake adventures, and quality family time. He loved jazz, 70s music, reading medical journals and history books. He had a gift of being able to read a book one time and memorize it. Ron loved a good steak, especially if it had “the horns knocked off and was dragged through a warm room”. He was known for his sense of humor in life.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 45 years, Darla Johnson Pritchard; his son, Christopher Warren Pritchard (Vanessa); his daughter, Karen Denise Mitchell (Matthew); two grandchildren, Tyler Edward Mitchell and Moriah Denise Mitchell, all of Little Rock, Arkansas.
He is also survived by his brothers T. Andrew Pritchard, M.D. (Betty) of Florence, Alabama, Dr. C. Raymond Pritchard (Marlene) of Hudson, Florida, and D. Alan Pritchard, M.D. (Donna) of Counce, Tennessee, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Bob W. Johnson, who was his treasured mentor, and his beloved granddaughter, Madison Denise Mitchell.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Fox Ridge Chenal—especially Trish Thompson, Carol Gillison, and Kelly Binz. Special thanks to Chef Tony for his made-to-order breakfasts and phenomenal chicken tenders. Ron talked about those the week he passed. Thank you all for loving him well. We will never forget your love, care and compassion.
A celebration of life took place June 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home with his brother, Dr. Ray Pritchard, officiating. The family received visitors in the chapel at 10 a.m. Following the service, there was a private graveside burial at 1 p.m.
Though he is no longer with us, Ron’s spirit lives on through the memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the family he loved so deeply.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Keep Believing Ministries, P.O. Box 257, Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126, www.keepbelieving.com.
Tressie Champion
Tressie Mae Fennel Champion
June 26, 2026
Tressie Mae Fennel Champion, 92, passed peacefully from this life on June 26, 2026, at John Knox Manor in Montgomery, Alabama.
Born on October 13, 1933, in the Pleasant Site community of Franklin County, Alabama, Tressie was the daughter of William Troy and Stella Fennel. She graduated from Phil Campbell High School in May 1951, then attended Larimore Business College in Florence, Alabama, finishing in March 1952. She spent most of her life in Russellville, where she built a home centered on faith, family, hard work and love. During the last five years of her life, she lived in Montgomery, Alabama, where she attended Landmark Church of Christ for as long as her health permitted.
Tressie was first and foremost devoted to her family. She married William A. Champion on Nov. 5, 1954, and the two of them had three children. She embraced the role of homemaker and mother with a servant’s heart, dedicating herself to caring for her children and creating a loving home. Once her youngest child entered school, she began a career with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, where she worked for many years as a clerical employee before retiring in 1995.
Those who knew Tressie will remember her gentle spirit, quiet strength and unwavering faith. She was never one to seek attention for herself. Instead, she expressed her love through acts of service, thoughtful kindness, and a steadfast presence in the lives of those she loved. Whether preparing a family meal, offering a listening ear, or providing encouragement during difficult times, she demonstrated a love that was sincere, constant, and selfless.
Her faith in God guided her throughout her life. As a longtime member of North Highlands Church of Christ, she found strength and purpose in her Christian walk. Her example of faithful living continues to inspire the family she cherished so deeply.
Tressie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William Champion, her beloved daughter, Sheila Champion, her parents, William Troy and Stella Fennel; and her sisters, Willodean Thorne and Marie Porter.
She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory: her sons, Michael Champion and wife Alisa of Montgomery, Alabama, and Keith Champion of Madison, Alabama; her granddaughters, Kathryn Ana and husband Eugen of Bucharest, Romania, and Stephanie Raney and husband Jared of Sterrett, Alabama; her grandson, Michael Champion, Jr., of New Albany, Indiana; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Verna Lou Fenn of Florence, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in a life well lived and in the hope of the resurrection promised through Christ. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely to others.
Visitation will be held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama, on Thursday, July 2, from noon until 2 p.m., with funeral services directly after. Trae Durden and Robin Phillips will be officiating.
Pallbearers will be Michael Champion, Jr., Jared Raney, Phillip Thorne, Stanley Champion, Tony Champion, and Ben Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sonshiners at North Highlands Church of Christ (P.O. Drawer H, Russellville, Ala., 35653).
Pinkard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
