The Reverend Dr. Marshall Lee Pridgen, Senior, graduated to glory on Thursday, December 20, 2012. He leaves to celebrate his life and honor his memory his wife of 38 years, Leona Eason Pridgen; daughters: Starr Pridgen Langley and son-in-law, Romey Langley, and Sherry Dawn Pridgen; son: the Reverend Marshall (Mark) L. Pridgen, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Linda Bell Pridgen; granddaughters: Kelly Leonard, and grandson-in-law, the Reverend Clay Leonard; Jamie Lascallette, and grandson-in-law, Gary Lascallette; Melissa Lancaster, and grandson-in-law, Matthew Lancaster; great grandchildren: Jordan Taylor, Kyle Taylor, Brayden Leonard, Elison (Eli) Leonard, and Ashton Lascallette. In addition, the Reverend Pridgen is survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, "adopted" children, and friends who have faithfully supported, loved, and prayed for him through many years.
A sister, Virginia Dare Pridgen; his mother, Lessie Lindsey Pridgen; his father, William Alfonso Pridgen; and great-grandson, Camden Pridgen Leonard, preceded the Reverend Pridgen in death.
The Reverend Pridgen graduated with honors from N.C. Wesleyan College in 1964 and with honors from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1968. He received his doctorate from Union Theological Seminary in 1972.
Dr. Pridgen served with distinction at the Swelton Heights Baptist Church for 17 years and then led in the founding of the Parkwood Baptist Church where he served for an additional 20 years. Upon his retirement in 1992, he was recognized as pastor emeritus of the church.
The Reverend Pridgen preached more than 300 revivals in a five-state area. He baptized more than 23000 people during his one and only pastorate. He baptized more than 4 generations in some families. During his years as a pastor, Brother Marshall baptized 35 people in one service…3 generations in one family on that occasion.
Pastor Pridgen believed that "missions is the heart of God" and emphasized mission work and mission giving in the church. He led Swelton Heights/Parkwood Baptist Church to be a major contributor to the Southern Baptist mission work and to local missions as well. He worked closely with the Women's Missionary Union, supporting them to be recognized as an organization of honor for over 20 years.
Under the Bible-centered preaching of Pastor Pridgen 26 young men accepted the call to ministry for Christ. Among these 26 was his own son, the Reverend Mark Pridgen, Jr., who served as his father's assistant, associate, and then co-pastor over a period of 15 years. Later, his son became his pastor.
Gifted as a counselor and advisor, Pastor Pridgen was used by God over the years to speak words of wisdom to many in distress and sorrow. His guidance as the under shepherd helped many to walk more closely to the Father and to be used more effectively in Kingdom work.
The Reverend Pridgen also served his community over many years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Stony Creek Fire and Rescue Department, when it was organized at the Swelton Heights Baptist Church in 1957. Pastor Pridgen worked closely with longtime friend, Mayor Fred Turnage, on many projects for bettering the community. He served under several judges, including the Honorable Tom Matthews, as amicus curiae (friend of the court). Many persons were assigned over the years to his care for counseling and rehabilitation. He was a member of the Nash County Board of Social Services, serving 2 years of an unexpired term plus 6 additional years. For 7 of those years, he served as Chairman of the Board. He received commendations from former governors, the Honorable Jim Martin and the Honorable Jim Hunt, for his social service contributions. Pastor Pridgen was also very active in the Christian Action League. He served as a trustee of this organization for more than 20 years.
In his last years, the Reverend Pridgen was an active member of the NorthSide Community Church. He was faithful in his attendance, serving as a Wise Man in the telling of the Christmas story in what was to be his final service. He was also faithful in his financial and mission support. He lived his life according to the Scripture, Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose", and he truly believed that "the best was yet to come".
The service for the Reverend Pridgen will be held at the Parkwood Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 23, 2012, followed by visitation in the sanctuary. Graveside services will be at Pine View Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on December 24, 2012.
Flowers will be received in memory of Pastor Pridgen, or memorial contributions may be made to the NorthSide Community Church or the Parkwood Baptist Church for the Marshall Lee Pridgen, Sr. Mission Scholarship Fund. These funds will be used to sponsor mission projects annually at these churches that he loved.
Special note from the family: Our loved one loved people and gave his all to loving them into the kingdom of God. Everyone that knew Brother Marshall knew his heart.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting http://www.wheelerwoodlief.com/.
Visitation
Parkwood Baptist Church
1731 Hunter Hill Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 12/23, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Service
Parkwood Baptist Church
1731 Hunter Hill Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 12/23, 3:00 pm
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Monday 12/24, 10:00 am
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Words cannot express my feelings at this lose. Our lose is heavens gain. Just think, he will celebrate with his saviour this Christmas. What better Marshall was like a father to me and so many more. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Family
Prayers for the family & rejoicing for Bro. Marshall. Your loss is heaven’s gain. Bless you all. Betty & Ken Miles
I remember Rev. Pridgen from my days at NCWC. He was always a gentleman and a scholar and went on to become a leader in his faith as well as a leader in his community. May his soul rest in peace. Gains E. Hopkins, Jr.–Class of 1965
Lit a candle in memory of Marshall Lee Pridgen
Our hearts are heavy for your loss, but you will see him again, and he received the greatest gift of all this year, he is spending Christmas with his savior, whom he served for so many years..We pray for your family…Janet, Dwayne, DJ & Tanner Hanaway
Lit a candle in memory of Marshall Lee Pridgen
As we make our journey throu this life, death is our final stop. The Bible gives us comfort in our time of grief. Even the perfect man, Jesus Christ, Gave way to tears. So greatly grieved was he over the death of his friend, Lazarous.(John1135) Jesus said I am the resurrection, & the life.(John1125) What a wonderful gift we have been givin, to have the hope of seening our loved ones once again.