Some knew him as a respected and talented race car driver who was a legend on the racetracks of the Southeast. Others knew him as a successful entrepreneur. Habersham Countians knew C.L. Pritchett as a family member, neighbor and friend.
The Georgia Racing Hall of Famer and co-owner of Pritchett Tire passed away Thursday from complications caused by Primary Progressive Aphasia, a form of dementia.
C.L. – short for Clarence Landers – grew up in Habersham County and graduated in 1960 from what was then South Habersham High School. In the years that followed he built a career in the automotive industry – selling cars at McDonald Chevrolet and later, with his nephews Chuck and Jonathan Bennett, expanding Pritchett Tire into four locations across the region.
Simultaneous to his other pursuits, Pritchett built a legendary career on the racetrack.
Between 1967 – 1990, C.L. won multiple track championships and major victories on touring circuits including the National Dirt Racing Association. On August 19, 1978, he won a then-record $10,000 prize at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, South Carolina. 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.
He was inducted into the Cherokee Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008 and in November 2015 was inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame joining his father, Swayne, among the prestigious ranks.
According to the Hall of Fame’s website, Pritchett raced against top drivers including Bud Lunsford, Buck Simmons, Mike Duvall, Doug Kenimer and Freddy Smith, while driving his own cars and for some of the sport’s top car owners including Gerald Voyles, Harley Hill, Morris Partain and Wendell Roach.
Pritchett was recognized last year by the Georgia State Senate where he was described as “The Last American Hero.” State Senator John Wilkinson said at the time, “He is one of the greatest leaders and friends I have ever known.”
Friends and fans paid tribute to Pritchett on social media upon hearing news of his passing.
Pritchett is survived by his brother, Harold (Lawanna) Pritchett, brother-in-law, Charles Bennett, step-brother Doug (Carol) McDonald and former wife Beverly Pritchett.
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A Graveside Service for the family and close friends will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery in Baldwin, Georgia.
The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, in Baldwin.
(featured photo/GRHOF)
