In this moment, we are here to remember our beloved, Gordon Tracy Pritchett and honor his life. Tracy was born Friday, February 26, 1965, to SFC Alvin C. Pritchett and Altamese L. Gordon in Orlando, Florida. He departed this earthly life on Friday, January 6, 2023, at the age of 57.
21,132. The number of days he lived. And Tracy lived fully—every day! As we all know, there were things that Tracy couldn’t do. He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t take care of himself. He couldn’t make decisions for himself. He couldn’t tell you how he felt. He couldn’t do many things other people take for granted—every day. And yet he lived fully—every day!
When some people looked at him, that’s what they saw—the things he could not do. But that’s not what we saw—and that’s not who he was. We saw the many things he could do. He could smile. He could laugh. He felt unbridled happiness. He loved without condition. And he showed his love without ever saying a word. Not everyone has those abilities.
There are people who have so many blessings that Tracy never had, and yet don’t appreciate those blessings. They can speak, but don’t know how to tell others they love them. They can make decisions for themselves, but don’t know which way to go. They have a sound mind but take it for granted.
Tracy inspired others to try harder. By seeing him work hard to overcome his own challenges, it reminded others to work harder as well. He helped teach us about our own strengths and gifts in this way. He also taught us how to be happy because he took joy in simple things—joy in seeing his family and his group home “brothers” and caregivers, joy in appreciating and dancing to good music, or watching JJ Evans say “Dynomite!”
Tracy was our rainbow. Through tough times, adversity and all his challenges, he shone through with a special light. We can be assured that, like the rainbow, he was a blessing from above. We can mourn the loss of his life and celebrate the life he led and lessons he gave us. For the best gift he gave was his very life. HE was the gift.
Tracy was predeceased by his father, SFC Alvin C. Pritchett; mother, Altamese L. Pritchett; and brother-in-love, Richard-paul Danner. He is survived by his sisters, Valorie Roberts, Atlanta, Gayle Danner and Kathy Pritchett; niece, Nailah McKever (Erica); nephews, Bakori Roberts, Atlanta, Ashanté Roberts, Atlanta, Sidney Walker; cousins, Dawn General, Daniel Holland; along with a host of other family members.
After 21,132 days, Tracy will truly be missed and will never—ever—be forgotten. Rejoice in Paradise, Tracy! Sing! Dance! Talk up a storm! Tell your jokes! And don’t get into any trouble with Richard-paul.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21 @ 11:00 AM. At Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. 535 W Washington St. Orlando, FL 32801.