Don Pridgen

Donald Farmer “Don” Pridgen, 86, of Wilson went home to his Lord on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 6:00 in the afternoon. He was attended by his beloved wife Glenyce, who had remained faithfully by his side over the preceding month while Don was under the care of Kitty Askins Hospice of Goldsboro.

Don is survived by his wife, Glenyce Davis Pridgen; his daughters, Sherry Andras of the home and Jennifer Williams and husband York Williams of Mebane; his son Scott Pridgen of Lucama; grandchildren Dustin Andras, Davis Williams, Hannah Williams, and Ashton Pridgen; Step-granddaughter, Tina Whitenton; great-grandchildren Holden and Dakota Black, and Charles Robert Barnhill; his brother-in-law, Joe Davis (Becky) of Greenville; his nieces and nephews, Kent Pridgen (Shellie), Julia Matthews (Lee), and Tracie Ange; and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade High Pridgen, Sr. and Pauline Farmer Pridgen; his siblings, Herbert Warren Pridgen (Delanie), Wade High Pridgen, Jr. (Gwen), and Dorothy Pridgen Leach (H. L. Roy): and his niece and nephews, Lynda Pridgen Malpass, Richard Wade Pridgen, and Matthew Davis.

Don was a well-known tobacconist in Eastern NC, having been employed by Imperial Tobacco, James I. Miller, and Standard Commercial Corporation. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Wilson, where he once taught the junior boys Sunday school class. He also served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Don’s interests included camping and boating with family, antique furnishings, music and dance, exploring family genealogy, gathering for good conversation with friends, telling stories, especially of the comic variety, and his love of animals. He was a generous and compassionate person, caring for his family, neighbors, and those who were in need.

As Don’s devoted children returned to Kitty Askins on Tuesday afternoon following a quick return to Wilson, they were comforted by the presence of a beautiful rainbow which accompanied them all the way and stretched out behind the hospice center upon their arrival. We, the family, thank the Lord for all of His “God winks” as He made Himself known in a myriad of ways each day during Don’s illness. We are thankful, too, for each medical professional and friend who accompanied us on the journey leading to Don’s reunion with his Maker. May you be blessed one-hundred-fold for your kindness.

A graveside service celebrating Don’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Maplewood Cemetery, led by the Reverend Julia Matthews. A visitation is planned for Friday evening, August 12, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Wilson Memorial Service.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 1467, Wilson, NC 27894; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org; or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

The family wishes to say a special “thank you” to the staff of Kitty Askins for their compassionate care during the final month of Don’s life.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Drive N, Wilson, NC, (252)237-7171; wilsonmemorialservice.com