February 3, 1942 ~ February 8, 2025 (age 83)
Jonny Woodrow Pridgen, age 83, of Riegelwood, NC passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Wilmington, NC.
Jonny was born February 3, 1942 in Lumberton, Robeson County NC, the son of Woodrow Wilson Pridgen and Coy Louise Britt Pridgen.
Following graduation from Lumberton High School in 1960 he joined the US Air Force. He was stationed at Webb Air Force base in Big Spring, Texas where he met his bride, Wanda Gail Alexander. They were married June 5, 1965.
Jonny found employment with GE in Salem, VA and they moved to Roanoke, VA. After a couple of years, Jonny wanted to move back to his home state of NC. His Uncle EA Britt helped him get a job at Riegel Paper Mill. Jonny and his family lived with his uncle briefly before finding a rental on Country Club Road in Riegelwood. A few years later they purchased their permanent home where they raised their family. Jonny retired from International after 34 years. He was a member of the Waccamaw Lodge for over 50 years where he served as Master Mason in 1986. He was a member of Riegelwood Baptist Church for over 55 years where he served in various roles. He loved his family, animals, classic cars, tulips and had a love for music with a great affinity for classical pipe organ music.
He is preceded in death by his parents Woodrow and Louise Pridgen and his wife Wanda Pridgen. He is survived by his children Vera Murray (Anthony), Britt Pridgen (Susan), grandchildren Carrie Mills, Timmy Mills (Katie), Spencer Strange (RJ), Brittany Nelson (Elijah), great grandchildren Bradley & Avery Strange.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Riegelwood Baptist Church with Rev. Cameron Lewis officiating. Burial with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:45 pm prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Brad Settlemeyer, Freddy Szakasits, Michael Mills, Tim Mills, Timmy Mills, Jamie Malpass, Sam Crosby, and Malcom Saunders.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or online at lifecare.org.
McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Pridgen family.
