Daryl Christopher Pryor was born at 5:44 PM on January 31, 1966, in Harbor City, California to Lucious and Angela Pryor. He was a beautiful baby, 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and 19 inches long.
Daryl was a joy, and God blessed him with many gifts and talents. He had a sense of humor and was smart. He wasn't afraid to laugh. Growing up he loved sports and began participating in elementary school in El Segundo, California. He engaged in numerous sports activities. When he played soccer, everyone loved to see the ball spring from his big afro. His position in baseball was centerfield and he would use his gymnastic abilities for those hard to catch balls. Daryl was a good swimmer and decided to try out for the swim team in elementary school, but changed his mind upon learning how early he would have to be at swim practice. His favorite sports were soccer and basketball. He made the varsity basketball team in ninth grade at El Segundo High School. He also played on an independent summer team called the Beach City Alstars. They traveled to the coastal cities near the Los Angeles vicinity to play various teams. Daryl really enjoyed being a kid. One Christmas he asked for a unicycle and actually learned to ride it.
In 1986, Daryl received his High School Diploma from the Pasadena Area Community College District. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army. He eventually took an interest in welding, and subsequently became a certified welder.
In 1988, Angela married Norman Cooper, and Daryl eventually called Norman his "Pops." Daryl was diagnosed with cancer at the end of September, 2019, and was looking forward to living the remainder of his days in Glendale, Arizona with his Mom and Pops. However, on January 9, he passed away in Montford Hospital, Lubbock, Texas and transitioned to live in a better place with Christ Jesus. Therefore, although he struggled with the challenges of life and often made choices that confined him, he is now free and with his Lord Jesus. He has no more challenges, pain, or struggles. He is at peace.
Daryl was introduced to the Lord at the age of 16 years. He renewed his faith in Christ Jesus about three years ago. He was an avid student of the Bible and was capable of defending the Word of God. He found that the material things of this world no longer mattered. What mattered is what we do for the Lord. Daryl would often spend time teaching the Word of God to other men.
Daryl is preceded in death by his father, Lucious; grandparents, Rayford V. Pryor, Sr., Mattie L. Pryor, Lillie Mae Wilson, Simuel E. Stamps; uncles, Jerry Riley, Sr., Ray Johnson, Melvin Stamps, Carl Edward Pryor, Charles Pryor; aunts, Joyce Marie Craig, Doris Boyd, Anna Pryor; cousins, Carl Boyd, Jr., Ricky Tillman, Phyllis Tillman, Anthony La Quinn Griffin, and Jacqueline Mays.
Cherished memories of Daryl will be held in the hearts of his Mom and Pops, Angela S. and Norman L. Cooper; sister, Bridget Harris (Hermon); uncles, J.C. Hennington, Rayford V. Pryor, Jr., Carl Boyd; aunts, Marie Riley, Velma Lawson, Marjorie Wilson, Dolores McLeod (Al), Charlene Stamps; cousins/like-brothers, Eric Lee, Keith Stamps, Kerwin Craig (Toinette); more cousins, Tamara Horn (Brock), Juvenile J. Lee, Anthony Hadnot, Don'dre Hadnot, Shirmel Stamps, Saundra Stamps, Delwin Riley (Paulette), Elwin Riley, Marston Riley (Tonya), Harry Riley, Jr., Patricia Riley, John Dix (Cheryl), Carla Boyd, Donna Boyd, Pamela Tillman, Sandra Denise Pryor, Eva Pryor, Donald Pryor, Ray Pryor, Richard Pryor (May), Alice Faye Griffin, Sandra Griffin, Sharonda Donovan (Emmett), Sheila Story, Keely Lawson, Billy Lawson, Jr., Patrick Pryor, Debra Fuller, Tomara Pryor, Elaine Pryor, Renee Pryor, Rebecca Jones, Rayford Pyror III, Anthony Pryor, Sam Hennington, Robert Lee Hennington, Rev. James Hennington, numerous others; and closest friends, Melba Villareal and Anthony E. Griffin.