Dr. Rev. Paul M. Pridgen Jr.

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Paul Pridgen Obituary

Rev. Dr. Paul M. Pridgen, Jr. CHAPIN, SC - The Rev. Dr. Paul M. Pridgen, Jr. entered eternal rest on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Born on October 4, 1927 to the Reverend and Mrs. Paul M. Pridgen in Charleston, SC, Rev. Pridgen spent most of his life and ministry in the Charleston area. He graduated from Carlisle Military Academy, Furman University, the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Baptist College of Charleston in recognition of his leadership with the college and his ministry in the Church and community. Ordained to the ministry at the First Baptist Church of North Charleston in 1951, Rev. Pridgen was a fourth consecutive generation of Baptist ministers. He served Baptist churches and institutions in North and South Carolina. Returning to the First Baptist Church of North Charleston in 1962, Rev. Pridgen followed his father as Pastor of that congregation. They served a total of sixty-two years consecutively in the pastoral ministry of that church. Distinctions of his life and ministry include involvement as a Christian leader in community affairs, a vision of Christian mission to both the local community and around the world, a strong advocacy for religious liberty and the separation of church and state, and efforts to build bridges of understanding across boundaries of race, religion, class and gender. Rev. Pridgen's understanding and practice of the faith were to inspire, instruct and to encourage others toward an enriching life with God and with one another in community. Rev. Pridgen is survived by his wife of sixty years, Millie Hawkins Pridgen; sons, Paul M. "Buddy" Pridgen III and his wife Jane, Stephen M. Pridgen and his wife Daisy; grandsons, David Pridgen and his wife Anna, Andrew Pridgen, Matthew Pridgen and his wife Elizabeth, and Kevin Pridgen; great-grandchildren Paul David Jr. and Ella James Pridgen; sisters Betty Holand and Mary Zedick; and nephews and nieces. The relatives and friends of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Paul M. Pridgen, Jr. are invited to attend his funeral service at the First Baptist Church of North Charleston on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., followed by the Committal Service and time with friends at Riverview Memorial Park. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of North Charleston, 4217 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Pridgen

13 Entries

Ann Norris

November 4, 2012

I am an admirer of Dr. Pridgen. He was interim pastor of Corinth Baptist Church for several years. My parents invited him for dinner one Sunday and I was home from working in Nicaragua and he was very encouraging to me, even writing me a note after our meeting. May God bless you as you adjust to his absence. He made the world a better place.

October 31, 2012

The Exchange Club of North Charleston extends our deepest sympathy to the family of Rev. Paul Pridgen, Jr. Pastor Pridgen was a frequent speaker and guest of our club and our members will miss his friendship and guidance.

Carolyn Bradley

October 31, 2012

Hello Millie, Mary Eva,Betty, and all your family. This a voice from the past .Do you remember a fourteen year girl named Carolyn Ward who took your place as the church organist when you and Paul got married and you went off to Mars Hill College? That's me. Mrs. Pridgen had heard me playing the piano and asked me if I would like to learn to play the organ and I said yes.I started playing right away
in 3 inch heels.I didn't know what I was doing ,but I loved it.She became my mentor.I have told this story ..over and over thru the years.You getting married started my church career from which I've just retired in July after 62 years as an organist, music director etc. God blessed me so much,in letting me grow up in First Baptist Church of No. Chas.under the spiritual leadership of Mr. Pridgen and his wife. How tough it was to follow him as pastor but your church family loved you and still does wherever you have served .As you mourn his loss I pray that you can let your love for him and your love of the Lord shine like a light in this world as a testimony. God's blessings on all of you as you seek God's will in your lives now; Carolyn Ward Bradley High Point N,C,

October 31, 2012

My deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of Rev.Pridgen. My first thoughts were of all that I learned from he and his father as a child and teenager at FBC. My second thought was that Mom, Dad, and Mark have had a joyful reunion in heaven which brought tears of joy to my eyes. I count it a privilege to have been taught by such great man of God. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
Barbara Radcliffe Walters

October 31, 2012

Dear Millie,

Faye and I were deeply saddened to learn of Paul.s death. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose a spouse but I am confident that the realization of his faithful and productive life brings you great comfort. He made a wonderful contribution to the Lord.s work that has left a lasting impact. The hope he shared in Christ provides God.s peace and anticipation of future rennin. We want you to know you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Please give Paul, Jane, and the family our deepest sympathy.

Ken Word

Johnnie & June Cammer

October 30, 2012

To the Pridgen family may you know our prayers are with you all. Johnnie will always remember the talks he and Paul had over the months after he and Mille moved to Chapin. He was one of the most outstanding and Christen men we knew. His name will never be forgotten in this house hold. Prayers are for the family during this time.

Donna Quesinberry Eddings

October 30, 2012

Millie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. He and his father were my first pastors as a child at First Baptist Church, North Charleston and I will always remember his godly example.

October 30, 2012

To the Pridgen Family. One of our fondest memories is of your family and First Baptist Church. What a blessing is was to us during the time we lived in Goose Creek and attended church with the Drawdys. The influence all the church, Paster Pridgen, and Tim Tomlison had on our son Perry is still a blessing today. We thank God for Paul and Milly-not only our church leaders but also our friends. Will remember you all in our prayers. Robert and Carole Hopkins

Opal Jay

October 30, 2012

In honor and memory of Pator Pridgen, a man that carried out GOD's Commission. My Prayers are with the Family.

October 30, 2012

Millie,Buddy,Stephen and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Paul's passing.He was a good man and was always helping guide people in the right direction in life and also by setting a good example We will pray for the family.
Geraldine Greer Family (phone#336-846-2828)

Woody & Carol Taylor

October 30, 2012

We are praying for your peace in this time of loss. God be with you.

Ron Quesinberry

October 30, 2012

Many lasting memories of the Pridgens over the years as our family first moved to North Charleston in 1951 and joined the First Baptist Church of North Charleston. Our family's prayers go out to you all.

John Flanagan

October 29, 2012

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Pridgen family. Dr. Pridgen was a first class gentleman and preacher. God bless you all.
Warmly,
John Flanagan

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