Carl Dwight Prestridge

It's hard to put a lifetime of love and gratitude into a few short minutes. He was not only our dad, but also the most loving papa. When we think of him, we don't just see one picture; we see a whole collage of memories. We see him as a great husband, a devoted father, and a man who built his life on hard work and integrity. His marriage to our Nana was the most powerful lesson he ever taught us. It was a masterclass in how a man should love and treat a woman- with unwavering respect, deep affection, and a partnership built on a foundation of mutual support. Their relationship was the bedrock of our family, a constant example of what commitment and true love look like. He didn't just tell us this; he showed us every single day. Our dad was a hard worker, and he instilled the same work ethic in his children and grandchildren. He wasn't one for shortcuts; he believed in the dignity of a job well done. He didn't just teach us how to be successful; he taught us how to be productive, contributing members of society through his own actions and unwavering moral compass. He taught us that hard work is its own reward, and that a person's character is their most valuable asset. He was also a great storyteller. But his stories weren't just for entertainment. They were lessons disguised as memories, parables woven into conversations. Through his tales, he shared his wisdom and guided us, teaching us how to navigate the world with courage and kindness. These lessons shaped not only his children but his grandchildren as well, impacting our growth in ways we may not even realize yet. And when you needed advice, he was the person you went to. He was the kind of man who could show great empathy and compassion, making you feel completely understood. Yet, he also had an uncanny ability to tell you the hard truth when your choices weren't appropriate. He didn't do it with judgment, but with a firm, loving guidance that made you want to be better. He was the glue that held us all together, the leader who guided our family. His presence was a constant, stabilizing force. He was the one we turned to for comfort, for advice, and for strength. It is impossible to imagine our family's constellation without his brilliant light at the center. Carl was preceded in death by both of his parents Barney and Vera (Davis) Prestridge, his sister Debbie Prestridge, and his grandson Matthew Prestridge. He is survived by his loving wife Lois Prestridge, son Daniel Prestridge (Tanya) of Alabama, daughters Carla Troesch of Wauchula, Florida, Angela Ray (Teddy) of Wauchula, Florida, and Sheila Walden (David) of Okeechobee, Florida, sisters Jean Prestridge of Wauchula, Florida, Caroline Ridley of Georgia, and Wanda Kay Mishoe (Donald) of Zolfo Springs, Florida, grandchildren Nathan Troesch, Kayleen Saldivar, Krista McClure, Tedrick Ray, Tiara Ray, and Christopher Stewart, and Alyssa Stewart, great-grandchild Maggie McClure. A visitation will be held at Robarts Garden Chapel on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.. Funeral Services will be on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Robarts Garden Chapel.