CARES AND CONCERNS
We learned today of the
death of retired Delta Captain Zack D. Pryse III, 79, on Wednesday, December 7,
2016. Zack was born 4/16/1937 and was hired by Delta on 1/3/1967 in Class 67-A,
along with myself and 33 other pilots. We were new hire classmates. His
obituary is below but no services information was posted yet. I will forward
that when it's available. Expressions of condolence may be sent to his family
at, Mrs. Zack Pryse at 1715 Christmas Tree Lane, Ponca City, OK 74604-3605,
phone 580-762-4136 and email zdp...@cableone.net . Please keep the
Pryse family in your thoughts and prayers.
Dave
Zack Pryse III (April 16,
1937 - December 7, 2016)

Zack D. Pryse, III passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Mercy
Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 79.
Zack was born on April 16,
1937 to Zack D. Pryse and Gether Lark (Waggoner) Pryse in Oklahoma City, OK.
Pryse Monument, founded by Zack's dad, began in the front yard of their home in
Tonkawa. Then, in 1939, the family and business moved to Ponca
City.
Growing up, he worked for his dad at the monument shop and also at
a gas station for Barney Austin. While in high school, Zack played defense for
the legendary high school football coach, Earl Sullins; graduating from Ponca
City High School in 1955. In the fall of 1955, Zack began college at the
University of Oklahoma, majoring in business. He was a member of the Delta Tau
Delta Fraternity and joined the Air Force ROTC. As luck would have it, Zack met
Joyce Hooten, from Muskogee. Though she played hard to get, she instantly told a
friend, "That's Zack Pryse, from Ponca City. That's the man I'm going to marry."
Joyce and Zack were married on June 6, 1959.
Following graduation from
OU, Zack began the pilot training program with the United States Air Force.
Zack's flight training included the T-33, F-102, and F-101. During the Air Force
years, the family moved several times. The first of three, Kerry, was born in
Muskogee in 1961. Zack David, IV was born in 1963 and Pati in 1965, both in
Great Falls, Montana. The year 1966 brought great change for the Pryse family.
Zack was sent to Vietnam as an A1 Sky Raider fighter pilot. He completed 188
combat missions, receiving many medals including the Purple Heart and two
Distinguished Flying crosses. He was honorably discharged in December 1966 at
the rank of captain. Immediately following his military service, Zack began a 30
year career with Delta Airlines.
With Delta Airlines, the family moved
from Atlanta to Chicago, finally landing in Irving, Texas. During this time, he
supplemented the family income by substitute teaching and flying side trips for
the National Guard. The final move came in 1972, when the Pryse's settled back
in Ponca City. Zack retired as Captain from Delta in 1997; flying international
flights his last three years.
Upon retirement, he spent time in Florida,
"The Property" at Kaw Lake, and most recently enjoyed remodeling his lake house
at Grand lake.
Zack was at his best when outdoors, and especially around
the water and anything involving boating. Throughout the years, he loved being
around his children's friends. Pryse's cabin became a place for all of the kids
to hang out and have fun. That's what he loved.
His true passion and love
was his family and his grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed the time he got to
spend with them, and slipping the grandkids twenty bucks when no on was
looking.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of the home; children, Kerry
Mullenax, Ponca City, Zack D. Pryse, IV, Ponca City, and Pati and Eddie Burns of
Piedmont, OK; grandsons, Parker Burns, Sam Mullenax, Pryse Mullenax, Owen Burns
and his favorite granddaughter, Reagan Mullenax; his sister, Lyn (Pryse) Elam
and husband Ted; his brother, Scott Pryse and wife Joan, all of Oklahoma City;
his brother, Dane Pryse of Ponca City; and several nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Zack and Gether.
Memorial contributions
may be made to Hearts for Hearing, 11500 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK
73120.