Robert T Priddy
Military
34th BG - 7th BS
B-24H-20-FO #42-94880 "Misschief" Code: G
Standing Left to Right: George Weddell (CP), Jim Hollowell (P)
Kneeling Left to Right: Buster Thomas (R/O), Robert Thomas (TTG), Tommy Harper (B), Robert Gray (FE/WG), Robert Priddy (N), Richard Stonefield (TG), Harold Logan (NG)
Completed a 35 mission combat tour. 466th Bomb Group collection
466th BG Historian
Object Number - UPL 16123 - James S. Hollowell Crew 34th BG - 7th BS B-24H-20-FO #42-94880 "Misschief" Code: G Standing Left to Right: George Weddell (CP), Jim Hollowell...
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 34th Bomb Group 7th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-807441
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: RAF Mendlesham
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Wichita Falls, TX, USA | 3 September 1918 | |
|
Died |
Wichita Falls, TX, USA | 6 January 2015 | Robert Thomas ‘Bob’ Priddy, an accomplished businessman who used his wealth to support a variety of philanthropic and faith-based projects in Texas, Oklahoma and other parts of the country, died January 6, 25015, at his home in Wichita Falls Texas. He was 96. He was born in Wichita Falls on September 3, 1918, to Walter and Swannanoa Priddy. He was the second of four sons. He was baptized at First Presbyterian Church as an infant and became the church’s longest continuing member. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1935. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1940 and a Master’s in business from Harvard Business School in 1942. Robert served in the Air Force during World War II. He was shipped with the 8th Army Air Force’s 34th Bomb Group to Mendlesham, England, in April, 1944. He trained as a navigator on a B-24 and was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Robert flew 24 missions through the summer of 1944 in France and Germany, targeting coastal defenses, communications, and supply lines. Robert formed lifelong relationships with his flight crew on the plane Misschief. He also took with him a love for aviation which he pursued for many years after. On July 10th, 1948, Robert married Ruby Norwood, the love of his life. When Ruby passed in 2008, their marriage had spanned nearly 60 years. They raised four children together in their home in Wichita Falls. They shared their love of travel, music, art, birds and the indigenous nature of North Texas. Robert went to work in the oil field. He founded Dual Drilling Company in 1951, which would become a passion of his life. With foresight and uncommon business instincts, he grew and expanded the company’s activities from land to offshore drilling. In 1980 Robert sold Dual Drilling company to Bechtel Group but continued to operate Dual until his retirement in 1990. Dual operated 20 offshore rigs in seven countries. Robert considered Dual employees his colleagues and friends. He dealt honestly and fairly with customers and suppliers, and cherished the relationships he had with them. He was a mentor to younger people, and many, if not all, fashioned their careers around his way of doing business and his way of life. What they saw was a man of insatiable curiosity who loved to learn about all aspects of business, the arts and sciences, and philosophy. But, his interest in people was paramount. People were at the root of his love for both business and life. In 1985 Robert purchased a ranch in Henrietta and named it 2R for “Robert and Ruby.” After his retirement, the ranch became the focus of his attention. Robert’s desire for learning never flagging, the business and science of ranching fascinated him. His grandchildren, who called him “Boot,” have many memories of touring the ranch in his Land Rover, while he lovingly described prairie grasses and that year’s rainfall. To Robert and Ruby, the ranch was a shared sanctuary where they celebrated their love of nature. They spent many peaceful hours together watching birds from their back porch. After Ruby passed, Robert believed that a sighting of her favorite bird, the Painted Bunting, was a sign from his wife. In 1963 Robert’s parents, Walter and Swannanoa Priddy, founded the Priddy Foundation. They appointed Robert and his brothers Ashley and Charles Priddy as the original trustees. Through Robert’s leadership and contributions, the Priddy Foundation grew from a small family foundation to a highly respected private foundation, impacting the lives of thousands of residents of North Texas and southern Oklahoma. In his lifetime Robert T. Priddy had many passions and was many things to many people. However, there were a few things that everybody who knew him could tell you. He was a spiritual man, Christianity was a constant touchstone in his life. His sense of humor never stopped, he had a quick wit that he used to keep you on your toes. He was intellectually curious and never stopped learning about the world. He was loving and generous. Robert reached out with the blessings of his life and his personality to touch the lives of those around him. |
Revisions
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources
1996 34th BG Roster / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia