MICHAEL FITZGERALD PRYOR

Michael Fitzgerald Pryor was born on December 23, 1963, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Jacob L. and Clara H. Pryor. As the youngest of nine siblings, Mike was surrounded by a large, loving family that helped shape the kind and selfless man he would become. He attended Indianapolis Public Schools #51 and #98 before graduating from Arsenal Technical High School in 1982.

At an early age, Mike professed his hope in Jesus Christ at Church of the Living God Temple #18 under Bishop James C.  Hawkins. He faithfully served in several capacities, including the youth choir, junior usher board, and later as a Trustee. In the early 2000’s, he united with Eastern Star Church under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr., where he remained a faithful member after completing their New Members Class. He was an avid reader and studier of the Word and held weekly bible studies with his siblings up until the week before his passing. His relationship with God remained his foundation and he carried it with him through every stage of his life.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Mike was briefly employed by Sears before beginning his career with UPS on September 29, 1982. Mike worked in several positions before eventually settling into his role as a feeder driver. His commitment to safety and excellence earned him the prestigious UPS Circle of Honor Award, recognizing 25 years of safe driving. After more than four decades of faithful service, Mike retired on August 30, 2025. Along the way, he built lifelong friendships and earned the admiration and love of his coworkers. Mike’s booming voice, infectious laugh, and larger-than-life personality made him impossible to overlook and unforgettable to everyone who worked with him.

In 1988, Mike married Pauline Warrick and their union was blessed with three children. Mike embraced fatherhood with purpose and conviction. He took seriously his role as a provider and instilled his own Christian values into his children, teaching them the importance of praying and tithing. He taught lessons in fiscal responsibility by encouraging them to work and save – and even charging them for electricity when they left the lights on in their bedrooms.  

On January 28, 2017, Mike married Kathy Girton. Although they exchanged vows in 2017, there friendship began many years before when they were introduced by Mike’s best friend, Jesse Murff in 1985 while they were all employed with UPS. Through their union, Mike happily embraced a blended family, gaining two additional children whom he loved as his own. They enjoyed their time together, whether traveling on one of their many vacations with family or other couples, or simply relaxing in Mike’s beloved "Man Cave," watching episodes of his favorite TV series. Their marriage was one built on a longstanding friendship, mutual love, and deep consideration for one another. Even as his health continued to decline, Mike remained focused on Kathy’s well-being, ensuring she would always be supported and cared for.

To know Mike was to know his deep love for Notre Dame football. Every Saturday during football season was reserved for cheering on his Fighting Irish with his son and friends. Before his illness he was fortunate to visit South Bend to attend a home game each season. He was equally loyal to his Dallas Cowboys. No matter how frustrating the season became, nor how often friends joked about another disappointing year, Mike remained convinced that, "This was their year.  Mike was also an avid bicyclist until his health would no longer allow him to ride. His children and other family members would try to keep up with him on his Monon rides, but rarely did he have repeat companions on the trail.

Music was another one of Mike’s great passions. Blessed with a strong singing voice, he shared his gift as a member of the gospel group True Spirit, directed by his cousin, Pamela Davis. He possessed an incredible ear and could identify many songs within the first few seconds, regardless of the artist or genre. He loved to challenge all his children in the game SongPop and was almost unbeatable – prompting some of them to stop playing with him altogether. He especially enjoyed the music of Take 6, Earth, Wind & Fire and Men of Standard.  Although singing came naturally, dancing was a different story. Mike had one move and one move only – his signature “Shmoney” dance. 

Above all else, Mike loved people. He never met a stranger and had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcomed. His easygoing spirit, booming voice, and genuine kindness left lasting impressions everywhere he went. His faith   influenced every part of his life, and he consistently encouraged others through his gratitude and unwavering trust in God.

After two months of hospice care at home, Mike departed this life on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Throughout his illness, he remained remarkably positive, keeping his signature smile, hearty laugh, and grateful spirit. Even after receiving a difficult prognosis, Mike openly declared that he accepted God's will for his life, whether that meant healing on earth or being called home to Glory. His courage, faith, and peace became an inspiration to everyone who walked beside him during this journey. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Khabir Shareef and Ronald Robinson; and his sisters, Carol Robinson, Audrey Dabney, and Deborah Mumford.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, W. Katherine Girton-Pryor; his sons, Michael Jenkins and Gregory (Stephanie) Middleton; his daughters, Clayvin Pryor, Maci (Brian) Webb, and BreAnne Girton; his brother, Terry Robinson; his sisters, Jackie Martin and Teresa (Dale) Carter; his granddaughters CaLai, Jersei, Leila, and Gabrielle; his grandsons, Tyler, Riley James, Uriah, and Justus, along with a host of nieces and  nephews, cousins, extended family, lifelong friends, church family, and cherished UPS coworkers who will forever remember his faith, laughter, wisdom, and love.

Though Mike's earthly journey has ended, his legacy of unwavering faith, steadfast love for his family, joyful spirit, and servant's heart will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

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