December 25, 2025, 86, La Grange – Raymond Thomas Pridgen, 86, passed away peacefully at his home late on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. Born on June 18, 1939, in Wilson County, Raymond was the son of the late Joseph Mack Pridgen and Lela Mae Jordan Green. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Marvin Pridgen, Randolph Pridgen, and Pat Pridgen Ball.
A true master of many trades, Raymond spent much of his life farming and also worked for fifteen years at DuPont. Never one to sit idle for long, his spare time was often spent with a fishing pole in hand, hunting, riding four-wheelers with his buddies, and enjoying many motorcycle rides with his son, Randy, and son-in-law, Scott. He was always happiest spending time outdoors. Ready to go at any time, he treasured traveling with his family, whether it was a trip to the mountains or a visit to Myrtle Beach.
Raymond was fond of his many “gadgets” and loved working with his hands, often rebuilding and reinventing things with his own creative touch. Artistically gifted, he had a remarkable talent for drawing, painting, and creating perfectly shaped topiary from bushes or trees. His keen eye for detail and precision made him an exceptional landscaper.
Humble and deeply loving, Raymond cherished his church, family, and friends. He was devoted in his roles as husband, Daddy, Granddaddy, and Deda. He dearly loved his church and traveled near and far visiting other churches of like faith.
A service of love and remembrance will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with Elders William Edwards and Ernest Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m. A private committal will be held at Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Raymond is survived by his wife of over sixty-five years, Faye Kearney Pridgen; son, Randy Pridgen and wife, Terri; daughter, Sharon Whitley and husband, Scott; grandchildren, Diana Soles (Chris), Daniel Pridgen (Ashlyn), Stephen Pridgen, Ashlyn Bass (Josh), and Krista Whitley (fiancé, Baron Wise); great-grandchildren, Blayden Pridgen, Brody Soles, Hazlee Pridgen, Kolby Pridgen, Harper Soles, and Wells Bass; siblings, Edward Pridgen (Martha), David Pridgen (Lorraine), Faye Peek, Janet Gay, and Debbie Joyner (Wayne); sister-in-law, Carol Jean Kearney; numerous nieces and nephews; many lifetime friends; and his Kennedy Home extended family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Lester Gray, 2856 Gray Grant Road, Kinston, NC 28504.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.
