Dr. Harry W Pry

Dr. Harry Winford Pry, 83, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born on April 9, 1942, in Bloomfield, son of Prentice E. and Ella Jane Abernathy Pry. He and Dorothy Deimund were married on May 12, 2004.

Harry was a 1960 graduate of Bell City High School. During his time there, he participated in the varsity basketball and track teams, was a member of the FFA where he served as president and held the position of student council class president in his sophomore year and class vice president his senior year.

He honorably served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1972.

Harry earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1964, a Master of Education in 1971, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education in 1974, all from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He began his career teaching high school agriculture in Bernie and Perryville before joining the faculty at Southeast Missouri State University. In 1982, he was promoted to the rank of professor. After 31 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2005.

Harry’s commitment to agricultural education earned him widespread respect and numerous accolades. His awards included the Delta Tau Alpha Award of Appreciation, the Outstanding Teacher of Persons in Agriculture Award from the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, the Honorary State Farmer degree from FFA, the Teacher Fellow Award from the National Association of Agriculture Educators, and the Polytechnic Studies Service Award from Southeast Missouri State University.

He was actively involved in many professional organizations. His memberships included the Copper Dome Society, the Mizzou Alumni Association’s Gold Medal Society, Gamma Sigma Delta (University of Missouri), Alpha Tau Alpha (Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Fraternity), the SEMO Agriculture Club, the Southeast Missouri Horticulture Club (charter member), and the SEMO Agricultural Committee of the Farm Bureau.

He frequently served as a judge for FFA competitions and was a devoted mentor to countless students throughout his career.

Loving survivors include his wife, Dorothy Pry of Cape Girardeau; two children, Sherry (Travis) McAlister of Glen Allen and Brent (Jessica) Pry of Cape Girardeau; two stepchildren, Danny (Jennifer) Swofford of Jackson, Adam (April) Swofford of Shawneetown; grandchildren, Charles (Brittany) McAlister, Stephanie (Matthew) Gowen, Hunter (Jeana) McAlister, Macey Pry, Jillian Pry, Ariona Batiste, Elijah Batiste, Judah Batiste, Danny Swofford, Sadie (Dalton Manche) Swofford, Johnny Swofford, Austin Swofford and Dalton Swofford; great-grandchildren, Sunday, Kori, and Lydia McAlister, Liam and Addilynn Gowen and Levi Swofford; siblings, Dewey (Janet) Pry of Dexter, Velva (John) Latham of Cape Girardeau, James (Debbie) Pry of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Melba (Keith) Hancock of Puxico.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dean Pry; and great-granddaughter Avery Gowen.

The visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Jeff Wells will conduct the funeral service at 1 p.m., on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Bloomfield.

The family suggests that contributions be made to Oak Ridge Cemetery contributions can be mailed to 701 Albert St. Dexter Mo 63841.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Harry’s obituary at mccombsfuneralhome.com.