Michael Ray Priddy

Michael R. Priddy went to his heavenly home on April 24, 2025. He was born in Elizabethtown, KY January 28, 1976. He was son of Lewis and Brenda Priddy and Max Helen Brown. He is preceded in death by his infant brother, Jonathan Priddy, grandparents Jeanine and Garland Harlow and Fred and Bertha Priddy. He is survived by his loving parents, his brother, Shawne Priddy (Mandy) and nieces, Olivia Priddy and Chloe Priddy of Fredericksburg, VA as well as cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, musician friends, and a loving extended family.Michael was known for his wit and his in-depth knowledge of a wide range of topics from cars to politics. He especially enjoyed relaxing times with friends who had cats and dogs. His passion, however, was music. He graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1994 where he was introduced to the bass trombone which he loved as evidenced by his exceptional levels of professional performance over a 20-year period. Michael attended the Cleveland Institute of Music from 1994-1999 where he performed with the Cleveland Orchestra as a substitute and a recording participant. He won his first audition in 1999 with the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base where he played big band shows and modern symphonies to over 100,000 military personnel and civilians. In 2003, Michael won the audition for the Quebec Symphony where he played his favorite, classical music. He taught at the McGill University in Montreal and was a frequent substitute with the Montreal Symphony. In 2007, Michael was invited to audition for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Again, he won, and lived in China, playing for the HKPO three seasons, taking part in performance tours in Bejing and Shanghai. He found time to teach at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts and at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He also substituted with the Malaysia Philharmonic in Kuala Lumpur. Returning to the states in 2011, Michael took and won the audition for the San Diego Symphony where he served 7 seasons including the beautiful summer evening series "Bayside Summer Nights." He performed at Carnegie Hall for both Montreal and San Diego Symphonies. He also taught private lessons to many students over the course of his career, many of whom have won auditions at major and regional orchestras around the world. Michael will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Visitation is Sunday, April 27, 5-8 p.m. at Manakee Funeral Home and continues at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, until time of service, 1 p.m. with Pastors Chris Workman and Chuck Darland officiating. The family requests donations be made to the Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship Award @ Central KY Community Foundation, or Hardin County Community Cats, hardincountycommunitycats.orgCondolences may-be expressed online at www.manakeefuneralhome.com
Cemetery
Sonora Cemetery
1440 Sonora Hardinsprings Rd.
P. O. Box 303
Sonora KY 42776
US
Visitation
Sunday, April 27, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Manakee Funeral Home - Elizabethtown
2098 Leitchfield Rd.
Elizabethtown KY 42701
US
Visitation
Monday, April 28, 2025
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Manakee Funeral Home - Elizabethtown
2098 Leitchfield Rd.
Elizabethtown KY 42701
US
Funeral Ceremony
Monday, April 28, 2025
1:00 PM -
Manakee Funeral Home - Elizabethtown
2098 Leitchfield Rd.
Elizabethtown KY 42701
US
Funeral Home
Manakee Funeral Home - Elizabethtown
2098 Leitchfield Rd.
Elizabethtown KY - 42701
US
270-769-6341
270-737-1433 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael Ray Priddy, please visit our Tree Store.