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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
Richard Pridgen Obituary
Dick Pridgen, of Columbia, SC, formerly of Wilmington, NC, went to be with the Lord November 23, 2024. He was born September 5, 1943, in Wilmington, NC, to Emerson Joseph Pridgen, Sr., and Mary Susan Pridgen.
Dick served in the US Army and retired after 23 years. He served in Okinawa, Korea, and Vietnam. While part of the Fort Jackson Aero Club, he became a certified Flight Instructor. He worked for the City of Columbia Water Department for 20 years at which time he retired. He enjoyed golf and was an avid NASCAR fan.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Dayna Pridgen; three children, Jim Pridgen (Kristy), Susan Burris, and Kaoru Pridgen (Art Hartzog); four grandchildren, great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Julia Pridgen and Hattie Pridgen; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Evans Pridgen (Veonia), E. J. Pridgen, and Jimmy Pridgen, and one sister, Iris Autry (Mac). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hope Church Columbia, designated for Missions.
A special thank you to the caregivers of Always Best Care Senior Services and to Lutheran Hospice who were involved in his care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pridgen
4 Entries
Arthur J Pardue
February 14, 2025
Pridgen were good friends, i was his flight instructor at the Ft Jackson Aero Club, (later McEntire Aero Club) The Army sold it to me.
Remember flights to Wilmington NC.
I was sorry I could not make it to his funeral.
Jud Pardue
803-337-3536
Carl J. Brooks
December 6, 2024
Enjoyed our flying days at FT Jackson Aero Club. Remembering the time we had engine failure and landed in a field . Walked away unharmed!
God grant you peace .
Joann Wilson
December 5, 2024
Dear Dayna,
I was saddened to hear of Dick´s passing. May the Lord Jesus comfort you in the way only He can. Sending hugs; with my sincere condolences, Joann (Haase) Wilson
Jud Pardue
December 4, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
I enjoyed being your flight instructor.
Jud Pardue
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