Willie "Bill" Paul Pridgen

Willie Paul “Bill” Pridgen, 88, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 from a fierce battle with pneumonia. He was born March 29, 1932 in Nash County to the late Bennie Elbert and Pearl Narron Pridgen. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, Buddy, Junior, and James Pridgen; sisters, Myrtie Pridgen, Mattie Williams and Doris Burgess Hall.

The middle child of eleven children, Bill worked on the family farm until he started his career in textiles at Caramount Mills which would later become Burlington Industries. As he progressed through the years, Bill advanced himself to becoming the Departmental Head of Quality Control until his retirement. Always giving of himself for the benefit of others, he was a charter member of West Mount Fire Department as well as being long-time active member of Peace Church in Wilson. A man of strong Christian faith and purpose, Bill was the glue that bound his family together, a man his family members and others could turn to and rely upon for his many skills. Above all, God and his family were most important and deeply cherished by Bill. Whether it was working in his yard or garden, spending quality time with his family, being the household provider and all around go-to person, he instilled in all those he loved his passion for life and shared with all his deep appreciation for strong family values. A loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend to many, his legacy will forever live on in those who knew Bill.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 70 years, Jean Bone Pridgen; sons, Paul Anthony “Tony” Pridgen and wife Marie, Timothy Alan Pridgen and wife Carol, and Stephen Eric Pridgen and wife Debbie; grandchildren Lynn Tippette (Jeff), Stacy Pridgen, Stephanie Pridgen, Timothy Pridgen, and Joshua Pridgen; step grandchildren, Brian Stogner (Kathi), Danielle Fronefield (Brian), Robert Griffin (Jenny), and Leslie Stanley; great grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jonathan, and Joseph Tippette, Nathan, Sarah, Logan, and Abby Stogner, Hunter and Abby Griffin, Alexis and Brian Fronefield, Makayla Pridgen, Lucy Webster, and Landon Tucker; sisters, Mary Batts, Betty Hawley, and Bobbie White; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Rusty Russell officiating. A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to either the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, or another charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.