Jerry Pryor: Long Beach Resident Known for Keeping the Streets Clean Passes Away at 78
Long Beach mourns the loss of a beloved resident, Jerry Pryor, who dedicated his life to keeping the streets clean. Pryor, a humble and generous man, passed away on Wednesday after battling Parkinson’s disease. He was 78 years old.
For many years, Pryor made the streets of Long Beach his home. He could often be seen around Lakewood Village, pulling a cart filled with his belongings, including tools for pruning bushes, sweeping, and picking up trash in the area. His self-directed cleanup work earned him the appreciation of business owners, employees, and residents.
Pryor’s kind and gentle nature touched the lives of those who knew him. Corliss Lee, a friend of Pryor, recalls the first time she met him. She had no interest in getting to know her unhoused neighbors until she was asked to deliver something to Pryor’s camp. When she arrived, she offered him a blanket on a cold night, and his grateful response warmed her heart.
As Lee set out to help Pryor, she discovered that he had a wide network of friends and supporters. While Pryor never asked for money or panhandled, people who appreciated his work would offer gift cards for food and supplies. When Bruce De Mille started an online fundraiser to replace Pryor’s old ladder, the community rallied behind the cause, raising hundreds of dollars and donating a new ladder.
Pryor’s favorite spots in Long Beach included Dale’s Diner and Hojas Tea House, where he would often receive meals paid for by De Mille. Despite his humble lifestyle, Pryor would always have something to share with visitors, often gifting them a can of peaches from his cart.
While Pryor had a stubborn side and refused offers to stay in shelters or someone’s home, he had a devoted circle of supporters who recognized his strong work ethic and dedication to the neighborhood. His friends and supporters are now hoping to install a memorial bench in one of the city parks to honor his memory.
Unfortunately, Pryor’s distrust of authorities and the system prevented him from accessing the benefits he was entitled to. He did not trust the authorities enough to apply for social security or other benefits. Although he had attempts to gather his documents, he ultimately gave up on the process.
Pryor’s aversion to doctors and medical treatment also hindered his path in life. He was reluctant to seek medical or mental health assistance that could have improved his well-being. However, he trusted Corliss Lee enough to get in her car and visit the city’s Multi-Service Center for help with his paperwork, something his longtime caseworker had never achieved.
While the cause of Pryor’s death has not been disclosed, his friends and supporters remember him as a kind and calming presence in their lives. His work ethic, dedication to the community, and gentle nature left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
As Long Beach mourns the loss of Jerry Pryor, his memory will live on through the acts of kindness and generosity that he inspired in others. No funeral plans have been announced yet, but efforts are underway to establish a memorial bench in his honor.
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