Meet Gary Pritchett, Master Mechanic!

St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital brings a level of care to the greater Greene County area that is second-to-none for a small, rural hospital in Georgia – or anywhere else. As Giving Tuesday nears, we want to introduce you to some of the colleagues who make that exceptional care possible.

God and family are close to Gary Pritchett’s heart. A grandfather and pastor in addition to being a master mechanic, he knows the importance of safe, compassionate care. And he is proud of St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital and his work to keep it a safe place for staff, providers, families and – most important of all – patients.

In a sense, Gary has always been part of this hospital. He was born at Minnie G. Boswell Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, which briefly became Saint Joseph Hospital at East Georgia before being acquired and renamed by St. Mary’s in 2012 and relocated to a modern new facility in 2013.

Gary’s work takes him to every nook and cranny of the hospital. On any given day, you might find him changing a light bulb in an operating room, touching up damaged paint in a hallway, opening a clogged drain, or upgrading a part in the air-handling system. But he does so much more: he is also a full-time pastor for a small church in Madison, the father of seven (his youngest is entering college) and grandfather of seven. His eyes light up as he says balance is important to him.

Gary knew Good Sam was the right place for him, but that was reinforced recently when his 92-year-old father had to be admitted for a procedure. The admitting physician greeted Gary and the family by first name, even though Gary had only seen him in passing in the hall. He then took time to explain the nature of the problem, to review the procedure Gary’s father needed, and to patiently answer questions. Gary was impressed; it was a comforting discussion, almost like talking with an old family friend.

And the physician was not alone. Leaders and colleagues at all levels reached out with prayer and support. It filled Gary’s heart with pride for the hospital he had chosen to work with and gratitude to the people who made his father’s visit so comforting and engaging for the family. The personal touch they received put the whole family at ease.

Gary is optimistic for the future of Good Sam. He knows that by continuing to provide exceptional care to everyone who needs it, Good Sam will continue to thrive and grow – even as the greater Greene County area also thrives and grows. And he believes that by continuing to provide great care, Good Sam will continue to attract great providers, nurses and other health care professionals who will, in turn, continue to elevate access to quality care right here, close to home.

Thank you, Gary, for all you do to keep our hospital safe, attractive, and running smoothly.

Your Giving Tuesday donation helps St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital create the kind of environment that attracts and retains caring and talented colleagues like Gary. Please support our ongoing efforts in your Giving Tuesday donations!

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