William Pridgen Jr.

William S. Pridgen, Jr., age 78, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, October 18, 2026 at his home in Nashville, North Carolina. His journey began on March 9, 1948 in Nash County, a son born to William Pridgen, Sr. and Mildred Daniel Pridgen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Ray Pridgen and nephew, Connor Vance Armstrong.

He graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1966 and joined the National Guard where he served for seven years. He later enjoyed a successful career with Abbott Laboratories and retired after thirty-five years at age 55. He loved his family and being "Grandpa" to Presley and Griffin. He also had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his little Westie named Layla, who misses him tremendously.

He leaves many treasured memories for his wife, Linda Armstrong Pridgen; sons, William “Neil” Pridgen of Nashville and David Blythe Pridgen (Amanda) of Greenville; grandchildren, Presley and Griffin Pridgen; sisters-in-law, Donna Armstrong Miramontes (Louis) of Irvine, CA and Janice Stephenson Pridgen of Atlantic Beach and brother-in-law, Warren Vance “Tommy” Armstrong (Tammy) of Rocky Mount.

William will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, Lauren Prust (John), Emily Kirchner (Kane), Daniel Pridgen (Corrie) and Zackary Williams (Kirsten); along with many family friends and other extended relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Reverend Nathan Whitman officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3:00pm and other times at the home.

Floral tributes are welcome or those wishing to honor William with a memorial donation many consider the North Carolina Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington Street Raleigh, NC 27605-1259 or the Edgecombe-Nash Humane Society, P.O. Box 1783, Rocky Mount, NC 27802.