George W. Priddy 1943-2004 2005

It was with great sadness that the industry mourned the death of George W. Priddy in Lewisville, TX on October 10, 2004. As a widely known veteran of the pumping business, Priddy was one of the pioneers in the industry with innumerable achievements and contributions that helped establish concrete pumping as a viable method of construction.

After a tour of duty with the United States Navy, George began is career in 1969 as a pump operator with Hercules Concrete Pumping, headquartered in Houston, TX. George applied his keen sense of mechanical ability and problem solving skills in positions with several pump companies in the Houston area through 1974.

With the knowledge gained from hands-on experience, George took up a position as a sales and service representative for American Pecco, the exclusive U.S. importer and dealer for Putzmeister America. George traveled throughout the country for four years promoting the benefits of concrete pumping and conducting demonstrations.

In 1978, George founded Concrete Pumping Consultants. The company manufactured, sold and serviced pipe, clamps and placing hose for various projects around the country. The company’s resume includes the Texas Commerce tower, designed to be the sixth tallest building at the time. Concrete Pumping Consultants supplied components for general contractor Turner Construction and pumping contractor Hercules for several daunting projects at the site. Cooperation and ingenuity among contractors helped complete a 16,000-yard base mat for the tower and decks for the 1,030-foot building.

In his 15-year run with Concrete Pumping Consultants, George was a dealer for Construction Forms, Pumpit (Allentown Pneumatic Gun), Morgen, and Pipe Joint Engineering. The company provided service on all brands of concrete pumps including Whiteman, Thompson, J.I. Case, Jeager, Challenge (Squeezecrete & Titan), E-con Placer, Putzmeister and Schwing.

In 1993, George, his wife Mary Alice and youngest son Lee founded a small-scale operation with a single trailer pump, dubbed Triple “P” Concrete Pumping out of Navasota, TX. George retired from the industry in 1998 and focused on his hobby, garden tractor restoration.

“From the beginning, he thrived at the challenge to do the impossible; he new that the concrete pumping industry could be viable and lucrative. All of our operators loved to hear Dad’s stories from his past experiences. He loved to teach and was always willing to help in any way he could. Even toward the end, he would hang around the shop in his wheelchair at every opportunity. He just loved to be around when there was pumping going on,” said Wayne Priddy, George’s eldest son.

George’s two sons inherited this unyielding passion for the concrete pumping industry. After seven years as a field service technician for Schwing America, Inc., Wayne founded Vista Ridge Concrete Pumping Inc. (VRCP) in 1995. Partner Bob Guevremont joined the team in 1997. Lee has been pumping with VRCP for four years and currently operates a 42-meter for the company.

George W. Priddy was laid to rest at the Dallas/Fort Worth National cemetery. He is survived by his wife Mary Alice, son Lee, son Wayne and wife Sue, and four grandchildren, Shayne, Nathan, Kevyn and Justyn.

Vista Ridge honored George W. Priddy’s memory for the week following his death by flying the US, Texas and VRCP flags at half-mast. His legacy, however, will be forever present as the industry as a whole strives to meet his high expectations.

Anyone who has a fond memory or story involving George Priddy is welcome to contact Wayne Priddy, c/o Vista Ridge Concrete Pumping, Inc., PO Box 293265, Lewisville, TX 75029, 972-316-0148, vrcp_wayne@hotmail.com.