David "Elton" Pridgen, Sr.

Rocky Mount – David “Elton” Pridgen, Sr., age 91, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026.  Born in Edgecombe County, NC on October 19, 1934, he was the son of the late William Talmage Pridgen, Sr. and Mary “Ella” Brake Pridgen.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Mae Perry Pridgen; his brothers, Jesse “Bennett” Pridgen, Jerry Bryant Pridgen, and William “Bill” Talmadge Pridgen, Jr.; and his sisters, Melba Pridgen Carlisle, Mary “Helen” Pridgen Weaver, and Thelma Ruth Pridgen Daniels.

A faithful and devoted believer in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Elton or “Big-E” as he was known by his church family, was a long-time member of Oakdale Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, was a member of the choir, in addition to a variety of other roles.  Affectionately known by many as the “Bread Man”, he retired from Merita Bakery after 36 years of delivering bread and other pastries.  Throughout the years Elton had a love for sports, whether it was playing semi-professional baseball in his younger years, to church softball, or volunteering as a referee for Upwards Basketball.  Most of all, he especially loved spending time with family and friends and expressing positivity and encouragement to all those whom he encountered.  A devoted and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Elton will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Elton is survived by his children, Vickie Pridgen Sledge (Matt), David Elton Pridgen, Jr. (Ann), and Janet Pridgen Smith (Jimmy); his grandchildren, Lauren Holloman (Jeremy), Ashley Pridgen (Judd), Michelle Alvers (Christopher), Jared Pridgen (Kimberly), Zachary Smith (Elizabeth) and Deanna Smith; his great-grandchildren, Audrey, Alora, Waverly, Evander, Abigail, Isabelle, Kaylee, John David, Jacob, Carson, and Cheyenne; his sister, Arlene Pridgen Fisher; his brothers-in-law, Rev. Paul Weaver and Donald Carlisle; his long-time special family friend, Linda Ruffin; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Elton’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with his son, David Elton Pridgen, Jr., officiating.  A Graveside Service will follow at Pineview Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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.