LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Final farewells began Friday at the State Capitol for David Pryor, a former Arkansas governor and U.S. senator.
Droves of people filled the second floor of the capitol’s rotunda as hundreds, including family, friends and lawmakers, paid respects to the former governor.
"There are so many people that have come that I don't know, but it's so touching,” said Mark Pryor, son of Davis Pryor. “It's so wonderful to meet all the people he impacted.”
Mark Pryor said seeing so many people support his father means everything, especially as his family grieves.
"The three Pryor boys benefited greatly from his wisdom and presence,” Mark Pryor said. “It was a life well lived. He gave back until the very end. He was all about public service and touched many people."
David Pryor died of natural causes in Little Rock on April 20. He was 89 years old. Since his passing, condolences have poured in from across the country.
“It’s clear in talking to so many people around the state that David Pryor meant so much to so many people,” said John Davis, executive director for the David and Barbara Pryor Center.
Davis said that since David Pryor’s passing, the David and Barbara Pryor Center has been building a collection of stories about the former governor and U.S. senator, capturing what he means to Arkansas and the people.
“I think he’ll arguably be the most beloved Arkansas politician and perhaps Arkansan that this state’s ever known,” Davis said. “Just his connection to people, his keen and sincere interest in their lives, his compassion for everyone.”
Mark Pryor said his father was the definition of a role model, particularly in politics.
“He had that serious side to him [and] was really good on policy… whatever he did, he got it done,” Mark Pryor said. “Party affiliation wasn’t even secondary, more like third, fourth, or fifth thing down the line. It didn't matter that much to him.”
Mark Pryor explained that his late father was also a great example in life.
“How to conduct yourself and treat others,” Mark Pryor said. “Anywhere you would go with my dad, there'd be laughter, and we're going to miss him, but we're so glad we had him as long as we did.”
David Pryor’s celebration of life service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock on Saturday at 2 p.m. Central.
You can watch it live on THV11 or the THV11+ app.
After the service, David Pryor will be buried at Mount Holly Cemetary in downtown Little Rock.