David “Dave” Pritchard, 76, passed away on September 3, 2026.
Born October 16, 1949, in Villa Rica, Georgia, Dave was the son of the late J.D. Pritchard and the late Ora Causey Pritchard. He was a 1968 graduate of Villa Rica High School, where he was the star quarterback, leading his team to a state championship during his senior year. He was also a member of the tennis team and participated in many other extracurricular activities.
Dave went on to attend Carroll Technical Institute, where he earned a certificate in automotive mechanics.
Dave was a lover of the outdoors, and even “avid fisherman” doesn’t quite seem to capture how much he loved to fish or the remarkable knack he had for it. He was quick to correct anyone who said he was going “fishing.” Dave wasn’t fishing; he was catching. And catch fish he did.
Around the age of 30, Dave developed a love for being on the water which quickly became a characterizing part of his life. He later began guiding fishing excursions throughout Florida and eventually on the Coosa River which earned him the nickname “Captain Dave”. He had an innate ability to always catch fish with those fortunate enough to fish with him often claiming they had never caught so many fish or that their arms were simply too tired to catch another.
But more than fishing, Dave loved his people.
Over the years, he gathered a cast net of friends. He had a unique way of bringing people together who would become friends of their own. His family extended far beyond blood. The people in his life were built through years of friendship, fishing trips, and grand adventures.
Dave traveled extensively throughout the United States, but his best memories are from dancing and skiing out west. Aside from his big adventures, Dave always had advice to give. Whether it was the best rig for catching stripers, how to plan a trip out West, where to find the best meal in some “hole in the wall”, how to properly blacken crappie, or simply how to navigate life. Between relentlessly catching fish, his larger than life stories that were somehow always true, his grand advice, or vault of endless jokes, Captain Dave became a bit of a legend to all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Sara Nell Bryant O’Neal and his nephew, Richard Bryant.
He is survived by nieces, Kathy (Chris) King, and Patricia (Steve) Cook; nephew, Steve Bryant; numerous extended family and many close friends. Though family to Dave was never limited by blood, he also leaves behind Morgan White, whom he lovingly called his goddaughter, and a family of the heart too large to name.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026–2:00 pm at Lock-N-Dam Park Pavilion, 181 Lock and Dam Road SW, Rome, GA 30161
Dave specifically requested everyone in attendance wear their finest western wear or favorite fishing shirt, and to bring their favorite fishing lure to rest with him.
In accordance with David’s wishes, he was cremated.
You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com
Clark Funeral Home of Hiram, Georgia is honored to be entrusted with the services for David Pritchard.