C.L. Pritchett, “Clarence Landers,” died peacefully in his home on June 2 after a period of declining health resulting from Primary Progressive Aphasia, a form of dementia. C.L. was a graduate of South Habersham High School class of 1960.
Between 1967 and 1990, C.L. was an accomplished racecar driver winning multiple track championships and major victories on touring circuits including the National Dirt Racing Association. The total wins during his 23-year career totaled 900-1,000 races in which he finished in the top 10 more than 90 percent of the time. C.L. managed to accomplish all this while working with his stepfather at McDonald Chevrolet and raising three children.
After his retirement from racing, C.L. and nephew Chuck Bennett bought C.L.’s brother’s (Harold) tire store and later expanded as a franchise to multiple locations with nephew Jonathan Bennett. In 2008, C.L. was inducted into the Cherokee Speedway Hall of Fame. In early 2015, he was recognized with a proclamation by the Georgia State Senate as the “Last American Hero” and in November 2015 was inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.
C.L. was preceded in death by his father, Swayne Pritchett, his mother, Francine Chitwood Pritchett McDonald, his sister, Marlene Pritchett Bennett, step father, Homer McDonald, former wife of his children, Gwen Ayers and granddaughters, Megan Terrell and Ashley Howard.
C.L. is survived by his brother, Harold (Lawanna) Pritchett, brother-in-law, Charles Bennett, stepbrother Doug (Carol) McDonald and former wife Beverly Pritchett. Children, son, Todd Pritchett and his partner Craig Dixon, daughter, Tracie Terrell and husband Jonathan and daughter Tonya Howard, stepchildren, Josh Moore, Brandi White and Kelly Bowen, grandchildren, Zach and Vanessa Terrell, Jordan and Leslie Terrell, Meredith Terrell, Zane Morgan and Amy Howard, as well as many beautiful great-grandchildren also survive.
Our family would like to give a special thanks to Robin Armour, you are a true angel.
A graveside service for the family and close friends was held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 5, 2016, at Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery, with David Terrell officiating.
The family received friends from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to “Love Light” hospice for terminally ill, 743 Spring St. Gainesville, Georgia 30501 or Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 285 Highway 53W, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, South Chapel, 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
The Clayton Tribune, June 9, 2016