David Pryor, a distinguished former Arkansas governor and U.S. Senator, passed away at the age of 89. Renowned for his commitment to public service, Pryor died of natural causes in Little Rock, surrounded by his family, according to his son, Mark Pryor. A survivor of a heart attack, stroke, and a 2020 hospitalization for COVID-19, Pryor’s legacy as a dedicated public servant remains influential.
Reflecting on his father’s contributions, Mark Pryor, himself a former two-term Democratic U.S. senator, praised his father’s exemplary role in public service and his impact on the community, stating, “I think he was a great model for public service. He was a great role model for politicians, but just for everyone in how we should treat each other and how we can make Arkansas better.”
David Pryor’s political journey was marked by significant achievements and a few setbacks. Starting his political life in the Arkansas House in 1960, he moved on to Congress and was a key figure in state and national politics, often mentioned in the same breath as Bill Clinton and Dale Bumpers. Even after his political career, he continued to serve the public, including a role on the University of Arkansas’ Board of Trustees, which he joined in 2009.
His career was not without challenges. In 1972, he suffered his only electoral defeat when he lost to U.S. Sen. John McClellan in a Democratic primary runoff. Reflecting on this period in his 2008 autobiography, “A Pryor Commitment,” he shared his brief withdrawal from public life, likening his feelings to those of General MacArthur wishing to “silently fade away.”
However, Pryor returned to politics with vigor, serving as governor before moving to the U.S. Senate where he achieved legislative success, including the passage of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in 1988. He also advocated for the elderly, particularly in his undercover work investigating nursing homes, revealing harsh conditions that spurred him to action.
In his later years, Pryor remained a vocal participant in public affairs, including his opposition to the expansion of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, criticizing the excessive spending in college sports. He retired officially from elective office in 1997 but continued to engage in educational and political activities until his later years.
David Pryor is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their three children, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to Arkansas and its people.
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