Kenneth Dean Pridemore

Kenneth "Kenny" Dean Pridemore, 87, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia passed away on July 9th, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. Born in East Liverpool, OH, on November 15th, 1937, Kenny was raised in Hamlin, WV by his grandparents, Henry and Tennessee Huffman, after his mother passed away from complications due to childbirth. He graduated from Hamlin High School in 1956 before relocating to Point Pleasant in 1957 where he spent the rest of his life, a loyal employee of City Ice and Fuel up until his retirement.

A generally stoic man, he was never afraid to voice his opinions when he felt it was needed, a trait that endeared him to many. While his demeanor was often emblematic of the John Wayne movies he incessantly watched, he portrayed a softer side to anyone watching as he would be rocking a baby to sleep while the movie was on in the background. His hard shell oozed a sweet love for kids and pets that required no effort- they were his grandkids, and he let everyone know how much he loved them the moment they were born. He was so proud of them that he truly lived up to his family's name.

Kenny was a staple in the community throughout the years and was an active member of the local American Legion Post 23 and Moose Lodge chapters, where he could often be found with a deck of cards in his hand. Despite his fiercely competitive nature, even if he had a bad game, he always had a lucky hand to come home to.

Additionally, his life revolved around sports, as he collected many awards for softball and bowling over the years before discovering his true passion. After picking up golf in his 40s, he found himself to be a natural who would best guys half his age on a daily basis up until the day he died. If Kenny didn't win the Riverside Golf Course Senior Men's League, it was a shock to most people as he had the most titles in the history of the league. One of his most storied accomplishments is the six hole in ones that he made, all after the age of 70. The same number of winning seasons that the Cincinnati Reds have had in the same timeframe, but he still followed them religiously.

Lastly, Kenny found peace in the outdoors, whether he was golfing, hunting, or mowing grass. You could guess the month by the starkness of his crew sock tan line. A fact that his family loved to point out to him as he was sitting in his pajamas watching his beloved Marshall University football teams.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents Kyle and Helena Pridemore and several brothers and sisters: Kyle E. Pridemore, Alonzo Huffman, Everett Huffman, Callie Plumley, Roy Huffman, Opal Pridemore, Jess Huffman, Orville Huffman, and Troy "Shorty" Huffman.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 49 years, Merrilyn; brothers Jimmy (Kay) Pridemore of East Liverpool, OH, Bob (Jerry) Huffman of Hamlin, WV, Ray Huffman of Hamlin, WV; sister Betty (Dick) Lane of Louisville, KY; 4 children, Kennah Pridemore-Criste (Jim Tatterson), of Point Pleasant, Todd (Tracie) Pridemore of Pittsboro, NC, Keith (Kim) Pridemore of Point Pleasant; and Jamie (Mandi) Pierce of Point Pleasant; honorary son, Greg (Tina) Hartley of Point Pleasant; 9 grandchildren, Michael (Caroline) Criste of Colorado Springs, CO, Kylenn (Amanda) Criste of Warrenton, VA, Maggie (Ramses) Cardenas of Cape Coral, FL, Alexa (Calvin) Lysell of Pittsboro, NC, Hannah Pridemore of Durham, NC, Kennade (Michael) Blair of Point Pleasant, Haley (Stephen) Elliott of Point Pleasant, Morgan Pierce of Point Pleasant, and Kaden Pierce of Point Pleasant; and 10 great grandchildren with one on the way; Good friends Jimmy Wilson, Mitch Mace, Rick Knight, T.D. Dennis, and all of the men from the annual spring Point Pleasant golf trip.

At Kenny's request, no visitation services will be held, but a graveside ceremony will be open to the public at Kirkland Memorial Gardens Saturday, July 12th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Point Pleasant High School Golf Team. They can be sent directly to Point Pleasant High School in memory of Kenny Pridemore.

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