I’ve heard it said that our first friends are our first cousins. I had a bunch from which to choose, but one of my favorites was Rowdy Pritchard. He was 18 months older than me. Rowdy’s mother, my Aunt Lula, was my dad’s sister. When I was young, we spent many weekends there. One Sunday morning Rowdy and I were getting ready for church and sporting new flattop haircuts. Aunt Lula brought us a new pushup tube of butch wax to make our hair stand up. Since she didn’t tell us how much to use, we rubbed on about half of the tube! We didn’t even have to comb our hair again for quite some time!
Rowdy’s real name was Carroll. Our grandmother King gave him the nickname Rowdy. She lived with them during her final years when she was bedridden with crippling arthritis and cancer. She died when Rowdy and I were young boys. My “much older” cousin explained to me that she had gone to heaven. I imagine grandma gave Rowdy that nickname because she was sick and Rowdy was the typical rambunctious boy running in and out. The nickname stuck, but I believe it might have been a good thing for him.
Rowdy and his older brother were both born with albinism. Albinism is a rare genetic disorder that diminishes the body’s pigmentation. It causes pale skin, white hair, unusual eye color and weak vision. Rowdy really wasn’t rowdy. He always had a kind heart and a welcoming smile, but a boy named Carroll was similar to Johnny Cash’s song called “A Boy Named Sue.” That name, along with those physical differences, could be an easy target for bullies. He had to be tough as a kid and that nickname probably helped. That toughness, no doubt, helped him deal with the multitude of difficulties he faced in life.
We had another cousin, named Wade, who was about our age. He and Rowdy thought it would be funny to lock me inside an outhouse. I slammed my shoulder into the door and it smacked the two of them in the head. I found Wade crying and rolling on the ground, but Rowdy just rubbing his head and laughing. That toughness, combined with his spirit, would serve him well.
Rowdy had more than his share of problems and heartaches. When we were teenagers, Rowdy’s dad and my dad died suddenly within a week of one another. His dad was killed in a car accident, which happened in front of their house. We both lost our dad and an uncle just days before Christmas. As an adult, Rowdy also lost a young daughter in a terrible accident.
Then, for 16 long years, Rowdy courageously fought the fight of his life. During those years he battled cancer seven times! That journey began with colon cancer, which required surgery and 12 chemo treatments. One year later, it returned in his liver. He had another surgery and 12 more treatments. He is the only person I’ve ever known personally who defeated liver cancer. Unfortunately, his enemy was not finished. Three years later, it showed up in his lungs, which required more surgery and more chemo. It bounced back and forth several more times. Eventually, it spread to his brain. Rowdy never gave up but fought with that toughness and faith he had acquired until he was healed eternally. His wife of almost 30 years was right by his side through those 16 years of rough road.
Caroll “Rowdy” Prichard was a man of tough courage, a kind spirit and deep faith. He was an inspiration and witness to many, and will be greatly missed.
Bill King can be reached at bkpreach@yahoo.com.
