Richard David Prime

Richard David "Pete" Prime, 82, of Asheville, died Monday, September 27, 2004. He is survived by his wife of ten years, Burleigh DeLong. Pete was previously married to Rita Louise Costello for 46 years until her death in 1993. They are survived by their four children: Margaret Mary "Molly" Kaiser, Elkhart, IN; Patricia Ann Prime and her husband, Richard Linster, Madison, WI; Peter James Prime, Elkridge, MD and Richard David Prime, Jr. and his wife, Cindy Wilson, Berkeley, CA. Pete is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pete was born in Peoria, IL, December 3, 1921. He was the son of the late Thornton Kemeys Prime, II and Elsa Andreas Prime. Pete served in the Marine Corps during WWII in Okinawa as a surveyor. He was selected to go to OCS because of his leadership skills. However, the war ended while he was enroute to Quantico, VA for office training, and he chose to be discharged from the service. Pete completed his BS in Chemistry at the University of Illinois after the war. He spent his working life in the leather industry. He sold chemicals to tanneries, managed a tannery and sold leather to the furniture industry. During his last position he traveled to North Carolina many times and decided to retire to Asheville in 1985. During his retirement years, Pete was an avid golfer and had the distinction of making the hole in one at the Grove Park Inn on April 26, 1999. He enjoyed staying physically fit and worked out regularly at a gym into his 82nd year. Pete also enjoyed photography, cooking and traveled extensively. He enjoyed many friends, particularly his golfing buddies. Pete will be remembered by his family and friends for his kind wisdom, charming nature and pride in his children. He was always a gentleman. A funeral mass will be celebrated by Father John Pagel at 10:00 am Friday, October 1, 2004, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 919 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806. Viewing and Prayer Service will be Thursday, September 30, 2004 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Groce Funeral Home, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden. The family requests that any donations be made to: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Building Fund, 919 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 or to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 16. Asheville, NC 28802.