Robert Ray Pride of Huntsville, Alabama passed into eternity on February 9, 2025. He was born February 16,1936 in Magnolia, Arkansas to William Thomas Pride, Jr and Bessie Dodson Pride. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elva Dean Griggs Pride, brother, James Martel Pride and sister, Glenda Pride Franks. He leaves behind daughters, Juliana Pride Williams (Glenn), Alisa Jean Hudson, Penny Leigh Pride, and Elizabeth Shannon Pride Burton (Barry), grandchildren Christopher Williams (Brittney), Jenny Williams Clardy (Brian), Gregory Williams, Anthony Malkmus, Benjamin Malkmus, Matthew Malkmus, Savannah Burton Higgins (Paul), and Brian Burton (Courtney), great-grandchildren Tristen Williams, Micah Williams, Ella Williams Vernon(Ethan), Jaina Clardy, Susanna Clardy, Crimson Malkmus, Clover Malkmus, Everett Malkmus and Fisher Higgins.
Robert Ray was a country boy, growing up in Emerson Arkansas where he attended elementary through high school. A high school teacher encouraged him to continue his education, which he did graduating from the University of Arkansas. While a student, he met and married his wife Elva Dean (Deanie). He graduated in May 1958 with a Mechanical Engineering degree, wife and baby. They added another daughter in 1959. In 1960, he moved his young family to accept “the job of a lifetime” at a newly formed government agency named NASA. By 1964, two more daughters had joined the family. In those early years, Deanie was busy at home with the girls and Robert was involved in the Saturn and Apollo programs, testing rocket engines. He never tired of the world of rockets and space, putting in 43 years of service.
Outside of work, he enjoyed family gatherings, family camping trips, hanging out at Moontown Airport, anything musical, especially if his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were performing. He and Deanie were married 65 years and enjoyed the last 17 in retirement. Retirement years were spent playing in the church sponsored Angel Band, volunteering as a docent at US Space and Rocket Center and attending computer club. He also lovingly fulfilled the vow to love his wife “in sickness and health”, serving as care giver as Deanie’s health failed.
He and Deanie were followers of Christ and lifelong members of Sherwood Baptist Church. His faith was important to him and he took comfort in knowing he would be reunited with Deanie. He looked forward to his eternal reward in heaven, which he is now experiencing.
“We will miss you, Daddy. But we will see you again.”
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Sherwood Baptist Church on March 15 at 1:00 at Sherwood Baptist Church at 6600 old Madison pike Huntsville, Alabama – 35806
Interment will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Crosses, Arkansas.
In Lieu of flowers the family of Mr. Pride has requested donations be made to ‘Sherwood Baptist Church’ in dads honor.
P.O. 5912 Huntsville, Al. – 35814
