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 will be held on June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home with his brother Dr. Ray Pritchard officiating. The family will receive visitors in the chapel at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a private graveside burial at 1:00 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, IL 60126. www.keepbelieving.com.
