Wilbur Paul Pridgen, 83, of the Canetuck community in Currie passed from his earthly life on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center.

He was born April 19, 1932 in Canetuck, the son of the late Archie R. Pridgen, Sr. and Mary Pridgen. He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Wayne Pridgen; grandson, Shane Pridgen; sister, Ann Guyton; brothers, Archie, Donald, and Jerry Pridgen; and a dear sister-in-law, Clara S. Pridgen.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Emily S. Pridgen; granddaughters, Autumn Porter (Jonathan) and Erika Garcia (Gonzolo); six great grandchildren including two very special great grandchildren, Aiden and Kaelee; sisters, Bernice Moore and Faye Woodcock; and brothers, Bradford, Alton, Kenneth, Harvey, and Harold Pridgen (Minzet). Paul was blessed with many special nieces and nephews.

He was a faithful member and deacon of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Paul loved his family with all of his heart. Being a gifted story teller, Paul enjoyed people and talking. He loved being outdoors in God's beautiful world, hunting, fishing, bee keeping, and gardening. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith in the Lord, love of family and wonderful sense of humor.

The family will receive friends 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015 at Bethlehem Baptist Church with service beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Rev. Mark Garner and The Rev. Dwight Overby will officiate. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. Casketbearers will be Gary Pridgen, Ronnie Pridgen, Stevie Pridgen, Jonathon Stanley, Jonathan Porter and Teddy Brown. Honorary bearers will be Lane Stanley, Mark Stanley, Robert Starlings, Steve Coleman and Ken Eason.

The family would like to thank caregiver Lois Simmons for the excellent and tender care she gave to Paul.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Bethlehem Baptist Church, c/o Christy Williamson, PO Box 103, Currie, NC 28435 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.The family will receive friends 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015 at Bethlehem Baptist Church with service beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Rev. Mark Garner and The Rev. Dwight Overby will officiate. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. Casketbearers will be Gary Pridgen, Ronnie Pridgen, Stevie Pridgen, Jonathon Stanley, Jonathan Porter and Teddy Brown. Honorary bearers will be Lane Stanley, Mark Stanley, Robert Starlings, Steve Coleman and Ken Eason.