Willie Lee ("Jerry, Longboy") Pride, Jr.

Willie L. Pride, Jr. “Jerry” was born on July 26, 1942, in his hometown, Quincy, Florida, to the late Willie Pride, Sr. and Katie Elizabeth Pride. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Jesus plucked a precious rose from his garden. 

Jerry left his hometown of Quincy, FL, in his early 20s to start a life in the State of New Jersey. There, he resided with family and loved ones until he returned to his hometown on April 5, 2025, to spend time with his beloved family and friends.

Jerry professed Christ as his Lord and Savior during his early adulthood and was an active and devoted member of the Second Baptist Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Jerry established a respectable career in the construction industry in New Jersey, where he became well-known for his work. In 2011, Jerry established W.L. Pride Construction, LLC, as the registered owner and CEO. His career blossomed, and he was often sought out by many for his skills and sophistication in bathroom and kitchen design, which was the area of construction he enjoyed the most. His work, not only as a business owner, but as a loving and kind gentleman left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Jerry is known for his warm personality, intelligence, and profound love for his family and friends. Whether sharing kind words or a bright smile with a stranger or providing words of encouragement to family and friends, he exemplified passion and love for his community and his loved ones. Jerry’s love for his community led him to become a 33rd degree Mason, an honorary distinction that emphasizes brotherhood, moral teachings, and service to others. 

Jerry leaves a legacy of memories to be cherished by his loving and devoted family; his loving Partner: Sharon Locklear of Neptune, New Jersey; two Daughters: Brenda L. Pride and Linda Kay Pride-Dixon (Tim) of Quincy, Florida; three Grandchildren: Daisy Malone-Lester (Craig), Penny Malone (Nickalus), and Sanovia Pride; five Great-Grandchildren: Dentarrius Yon, Sr., Quintarrius Yon, Da’Marcus Davis, Mar’Kaylon Atkins, and Mar’Kilah Davis; and two Great-Great-Grandchildren: Dentarrius Yon, Jr. and Brayden Yon; two Sisters: Clara “Gloria Jean” Pride and Lorna Pride Williams; four Brothers: Clarence Pride (Doris) of Quincy, Florida, Woodrow Pride (Pinkie) of Greensboro, Florida, Roy Pride of Greenwood, Florida, and Edwin Pride of West Palm Beach, Florida; four Bonus Children through marriage that he raised as his own: Arthur Edwards, Sherrie Edwards, Donald Edwards, and Angel Tillman all of New Jersey; a longtime Friend: Constantine Martin. He also had a host of loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends from Florida and New Jersey.

Jerry was preceded in death by his Parents: Willie Pride, Sr. and Katie Elizabeth Pride; his Wife: Dorothy Pride; his Son: Winston Pride; his Sister: Sarah Pride; and his two Brothers: Johnnie Pride and Walter C. Pride.