Alton Thomas Pridgen, Sr.
July 11, 1935 ~ August 24, 2023
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ROCKY MOUNT – Alton Thomas Pridgen, Sr., age 88, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on July 11, 1935, he was the son of the late Luther Linwood Pridgen and Ida Mae Sutton Pridgen. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Earl Tippette Pridgen; his daughter, Sonya Pridgen Bunn; his brothers, George Pridgen and Robert Pridgen; and his sisters, Annie Mae Pridgen Cooke and Ophelia Pridgen Worrell.
A man of great faith, Alton was a longtime past member of Benvenue Baptist Church and a current member of Northside Community Church and was also a Mason. A pioneer and teacher in the welding and pipefitting industry, he owned and operated A.T. Maintenance, Inc. until his retirement after over 20 years in the business. In addition to being a fan of old western movies, Alton enjoyed collecting all things western and was also a firearm collector. Blessed with being good with his hands and valuing hard work, he was a talented craftsman, spending many hours tooling leather and fixing anything that was broken. Alton was a devoted and loving family man, a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to many, he will be forever missed by all those who knew him.
Alton is survived by his son, Alton Thomas “A.T.” Pridgen, Jr. and wife, Marion “Boo”; his daughter, Sharon Whitehurst and husband, Dalton; his grandchildren, Brittany Taylor (Jordan), Shannon Pridgen, William Pridgen, Zachary “Jett” Bunn (Brittany), and Oliva Bunn; his great-grandchildren, Shaun Shackleford, Jr., Bodie Taylor, and Malakai Jett Lyons; his son-in-law, John “Terrell” Bunn; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Alton’s life will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Mark Pridgen officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
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.
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Sharon, A.T. and family:
It has been our privilege to know your Daddy. He was truly a friend that we will love forever. He picked us as his neighbors and was kind to us in every way. He treated us as family.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
Love,
David, Deborah, and Daniel.
Mancel, Frances, and Leslie Tippette send prayers to Alton’s Family.
Sharon & A. T. & familes, sending sympathy and prayers to you all on the passing of your daddy. He and my daddy (Eddie Pridgen) used to tell my sister Phyllis and me that they were kin somehow, maybe cousins. I remember when Alton would stop by to see Daddy from time to time. I’m sorry for your loss.
Linda Pridgen Brantley
Prayers for Uncle Alton and family. I have so many memories when we would visit . You will be missed by so many but you are with some of your loved ones now. Rest in peace,we love you. Kim Cooke Harlow