C.L. Pritchett (“Clarence Landers”) died peacefully in his home on June 2nd 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 – 1990 C.L. was an accomplished race car 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 – 1000 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 @ McDonald Chevrolet and raising 3 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, step-brother 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. Step-children, Josh Moore, Brandi White, & Kelly Bowen. Grandchildren, Zach & Vanessa Terrell, Jordan & Leslie Terrell, Meredith Terrell, Zane Morgan, & Amy Howard as well as many beautiful great grandchildren.
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 will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery with David Terrell officiating.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to “Love Light” hospice for terminally ill, 743 Spring St. Gainesville, GA 30501 or Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 285 Highway 53W, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, South Chapel, 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
