Ralph H. Pridgen

Cheraw, SC

Ralph H. Pridgen, 91, left his diseased body to live forever with his Savior Jesus Christ on June 23, 2017. He was born at home in Green Sea, SC to James & Katie Pridgen on January 26, 1926, the fourth of nine children.

Ralph served his country in the Navy with two periods of service, one during WWII, and one during the Korean War.  He retired from the US Postal Service in Tampa, FL.  He loved to garden, spend time outdoors, and in his later years enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles.

He was a faithful member of Westside Baptist Church, a former member of Cheraw First Baptist Church, and Forest Hills Baptist Church (Waters Avenue) in Tampa, FL.  Ralph loved his church families, and missed being with them in worship when he could no longer attend services.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lorenda, his parents, his brother Robert, and sisters Clara Hardee, Vila Williams, Lena Bowen, Lillian Smith, Estilene Strickland & Alene Sharp.

He left to cherish his memory his daughters, Debi Pridgen of Tampa, FL, and Dottie Campbell of Cheraw, SC, his son Ret. Maj. Rev. Joseph (Denise) Pridgen of Seward, AK, his granddaughters Christina (Drew) Macaulay of Irmo, SC, Angel (Trey) Nichols of Hollister, MO, Carolyn (Tim) Jones of Prattville, AL, and his brother Lacy (Mae) Pridgen of Cheraw.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Concierge Living at Bethea Retirement Community, and McLeod Hospice House, Dr. Ed Behling, Dr. Erin Lusher & Dr. Vipul Shah for all the compassionate and loving care he received during his stay at their facilities. We are especially thankful to Dr. Travis Novinger for his wonderful care, friendship, and prayers during the latter years of Ralph’s life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017, 11:00 am at Bethea Baptist Church, Bethea Retirement Community, Darlington, SC. A memorial service will also be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11:00 am at Westside Baptist Church, 105 Claremont Street, Cheraw, SC.  Family will receive friends in the Family Life Center at 10:00 am, and share a meal together with everyone after the service.

In lieu of flowers, love gifts may be sent to Westside Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1417, Cheraw, SC 29520-1417.

Ralph longed to see his Savior and had peace knowing that because of what Jesus did on the cross for his sins that he would be welcomed into Heaven and be saved from the wrath of God. As his family in Christ we share the joy of his hope and rejoice in freedom!