Tarboro –

Bobby Ray Pridgen, age 76, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, August 31, 2023. He was born in Nash County on March 27, 1947, the second son of James Henry and Wilda Lancaster Pridgen. Bobby grew to be a giving son and dedicated husband and father. He was a patriot who served his country honorably in the United States Army. Over the years, he developed his natural talents in woodworking to become a masterfully skilled craftsman and carpenter. He retired from Nash General Hospital following a successful career spanning 30+ years.

As a strong Christian, confident in the reassurance of salvation, Bobby faced his health challenges with courage and humor. He loved a good joke and watching Western movies was always time well spent. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by beloved twin grandsons, Bryson and Watkins Dixon and his siblings, James William Pridgen, Robert Lee Pridgen, Faye Pridgen Warren and Marie Pridgen Harper.

He is survived by his devoted wife of forty-nine years, Miriam Sykes Pridgen; son, John Pridgen of Wilmington; daughter, Jenny Pridgen Dixon of Rocky Mount; sister, Jackie Kennedy of Nashville; special great-niece and nephew whom he loved as his grandchildren, Zoé and Tripp Little; loving grandpup, Vegas; along with many other special nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 730 W Wilson Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:00am at Edgecombe Memorial Park, 2879 US-258, Tarboro, NC 27886.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tarboro Pilot Club, PO Box 70, Tarboro, NC 27886 - OR - Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum, 106 W. Church Street, Tarboro, NC  27886.