Melbourne Henry "M.H." Pridgen

ROCKY MOUNT – Melbourne Henry "M.H." Pridgen, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Born in Craven County, NC on August 28, 1933, he was the son of the late Foster Morris Pridgen, Jr. and Miriam Lucille Taylor Pridgen. He was also preceded in death by his birth father, Melbourne Henry Sutton, Sr. and his sister, Linda Gail Pridgen Harris. A man of great faith, M.H. was a long-time, dedicated member of St Andrew's Episcopal Church. A Cold War veteran, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and retired as a Major in 1977 after 24 years. M.H. was a lifetime member of Air Force Association, the Military Officer’s Association, and American Legion Post 58. Additionally, he was a Mason, a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Kappa Alpha Order Alumni of East Carolina University where he received his master’s degree. Scouting played an enormous role in his life for over 55 years. He moved from earning his Eagle Scout in 1950 to serving in various capacities at the local, state, and national level. While giving of his time and talents, he earned two prestigious Scouting awards: The Silver Beaver in 1980 and The Silver Antelope in 2005. M.H. founded, owned, and operated Pridgen Tire and Auto Center in 1972 and retired in 1998, transitioning ownership to his two sons. In his retirement, Geocaching became his favored activity. He spent hours looking for caches in addition to creating them and was a member of the North Carolina Geocachers Organization. A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, good friend to many, and mentor to many Scouts and Scout Leaders, M.H. will be deeply missed and forever loved and remembered. M.H. is survived by his wife of 66 years, Diana Trask Pridgen; his sons, Jeffrey Brent "Jeff" Pridgen (Stephanie Thompson) and Steven Reid "Steve" Pridgen (Tracy); his daughter, Patricia Pridgen "Trish" Weeks (Louis); his grandchildren, Ty Ellstrom, Becca Rogers (Sid), Christian Pridgen, Taylor Pridgen, and Ana Katherine Weeks; and extended family members, and friends. A Memorial Service to celebrate M.H.’s life will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, 301 S Circle Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Adele Hatfield officiating. Visitation with the family will be following the service in the Commons of St Andrew's Episcopal Church.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the All-Saints Fund of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, 301 S Circle Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.