Daymon “Steve” Pritchard

Daymon “Steve” Pritchard, of Morganton, went home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2026.

He was born in Avery County November 23, 1951 to Daymon and Edith Pritchard. He was the baby to three older brothers, Scotty, Marshall, and Doug, and he always made sure everyone knew it! He always had a story to tell about his time growing up with his brothers, and those Pritchard boys were always up to no good. He took pride in his family and took every chance he had to tell stories about his childhood or to brag about his granddaughters.

As a young man he taught himself how to operate a backhoe and went to work as a contractor for the railroads. Eventually, he started his own business, Pritchard’s Backhoe and Dozer Service, and became a well-known operator in the community. Most people who knew Steve, knew him for his dump truck and backhoe work. Late in his career, Steve went to work for the City of Morganton, where he retired as a Supervisor of the Street Department after twelve years of service.

His retirement was well-spent at home with his loving wife Helen, of 50 years, his daughter, granddaughters, friends and neighbors. He was always quick to help and lend his expertise to anyone who asked. He could still often be found on the back of a backhoe helping out family and friends or keeping up his family’s home-place in Avery County. When he wasn’t on the backhoe, he was “blowing the soot out” of one of his many mustangs. Steve loved his mustangs and passed that love on to his girls and their combined collection grew to what he called “Steve’s Elite Fleet”. Steve was a long-time member of Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Morganton where he served as a trustee and could always be found surrounded by kids with their hands out for a piece of Juicy Fruit chewing gum.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Helen of the home; his daughter, Amy Smith of Nebo; granddaughters, Hailey Peterson and husband, Erin, of Morganton, Hanna Smith of Nebo, and Anna Smith of Nebo, and great-granddaughter, Caroline Stevie Peterson, whom was named after Steve and was the light of his life. He was so proud and would tell anyone who would listen that Caroline carried his name. Also left to cherish his memory include his nephews, numerous cousins and family, special friends Bob and Wanda Mathis, Billy Ray and Linda Michaels, and Blake Chapman, his church family, and his neighbors, all whom were very special to him. A special mention to Melissa Black and Monica Davis, whom he loved just like granddaughters. There’s no way to mention everyone who was special to Steve in some way.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Daymon and Edith Pritchard; infant sister; brothers, Marshall, Scotty, and Doug Pritchard; infant daughter, Lisa Dawn; sons Ricky and Scottie Daniels; son-in-law, Don Smith; and other numerous family members.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the church with Rev. Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.

A special thank you to all of our family, friends, and neighbors who have helped us during this difficult time. Thank you for the excellent care and service received from Dr. McManus and Hopewell Family Medicine, the Cancer Center of Valdese, Atrium Home Health, and Amorem Palliative and Hospice Care.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.