Obituary of LaMar "Larry" Brendel Pridgen

 

LaMar "Larry" Brendel Pridgen, age 78, died June 29, 2018 at V.A. Dorn Hospital in Columbia, SC.  He was born in Wilmington, NC on December 31, 1939.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Garris Lee Pridgen and Beulah Jones Pridgen, a brother, Gladwin Pridgen, and his sisters, Beulah Pridgen Giddens and Ila Pridgen Lewis.  He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Moates Pridgen of Columbia, SC, whom he married on August 28, 1960.  He is also survived by his daughter, Victoria Pridgen of Raleigh, NC, and one granddaughter, Megan Deaton, his brother, William Thomas "Don" (Lorene) Pridgen of Loganville, GA, and many special nieces and nephews. 

Larry was a retired U.S. Army Chaplain with a rank of Colonel.  He proudly served from June of 1967 until June of 1997.  He always knew he was to be part of the military life.  He was most proud to serve as Division Chaplain of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg from May of 1984 until November of 1985. He was also privileged to serve 3 years with the 10th Group Special Forces at Fort Devens and then to the 10th Group Special Forces in Bad Toelz, Germany.  He served in other areas, Alaska and Texas and also in Vietnam.  He became a master paratrooper and was very proud to serve with them at Fort Bragg and Germany.  Before entering the U.S. Army he graduated from Burgaw High School in Burgaw, NC.  After High school Larry continued his education by earning a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Campbell University in NC. He then earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. and a Master of Education Degree from Long Island University in NY.  He was proud to serve as a chaplain for 30 years to the service members and their families.

Larry enjoyed fly fishing and woodworking.  But, most of all Larry loved his family dearly.

A private graveside ceremony will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC., where full military honors will be performed.