James Russell Pridgen
May 6, 1942 ~ April 13, 2023
ELM CITY – James Russell Pridgen “Doodle”, age 80, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Born in Halifax County, NC on May 6, 1942, he was the son of the late Johnnie Hinesbury Pridgen and Mattie Irene Birdsong Pridgen Warbritton. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Carlton Pridgen; and sister-in-law, Mary Alice Pridgen.
James loved to go treasure hunting on land and in the water. He was a master craftsman, woodworking. He enjoyed going fishing, traveling, shooting, going camping, and going on motorcycle rides. James was a family man and every trip he took he loved to go as a family and experience new things with his family. A man of great faith, he was a long-time member of Sandy Cross United Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him, but his loving spirit will never be forgotten as he was everything to his family.
James is survived by his loving wife of 60 wonderful years, Ruth Maynard Pridgen; his daughters, Laura Lynne Pridgen Cox, of Ohio and Theresa Milloy (Larry), of Virginia; his son, Christopher Pridgen (Diane), of Black Mountain; his grandchildren, Daniel Milloy, Stacie Ellis (Matt), Christopher James Pridgen (Madison), Mary Kaitland Pridgen, David John Cox, IV (Amy), Dominique Milloy (Emily), Ruthelen Cox, and Leigh-Ellen Roberts (William); his great-grandchildren, Charlotte Pridgen and Riley Pridgen; his three sisters; his brother, John “Billy” Pridgen (Nellie), of Snow Hill; many nieces and nephews; and all of his wonderful neighbors.
A Celebration of James’ Life will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Sandy Cross United Methodist Church, 3725 Sandy Cross Road, Nashville, NC 27856 with Pastor Carol Dean and Pastor Joshua Woodall officiating.
The family would like to say a special thanks to all of the staff at Gentiva Hospice for all of the great care that they gave to James.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in James’ memory to Sandy Cross United Methodist Church, 3725 Sandy Cross Road, Nashville, NC 27856.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
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All our love and prayers, Terry & Wanda Holzworth Steven & Kim Pridgen Carl & Teresa Pridgen
Mr. James was my neighbor growing up. He was like an extra grandfather to my sister and me. He was always so kind and friendly. We would often see him and Mrs. Ruth working in the yard and go across the street to say hello. Even as a gown woman, my husband and I loved stopping by to chat with them when we were visiting my parents. He was a great man who loved God, his family, and his neighbors. He was hardworking but knew how to have fun and live life to the fullest. He will be missed by our family but I look forward to seeing him again in heaven one day and giving him another great big hug. Our prayers are with Mrs. Ruth and the family in the days to come. – Casey Gaston Smith
To the Pridgen family. My sincerest condolences. May the love and presence of Jesus Christ be with James and the Pridgen family forever
He was a good man I remember going up in the Shenandoah drive neighborhood and going camping at Gaston lake on that VW Van my thoughts and prayers are with his family R.I.P.God Bless!!!!