Bobby Ray Pridgen

Bobby Ray Pridgen was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and community servant who always made time to connect, lend a hand and extend his generous heart to others. He died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 5, 2026, at the age of 76.

He was the son of the late William and Mildred Pridgen. Born in Rocky Mount, NC on June 14, 1949, he remained a Rocky Mount resident for much of his life and graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School.

He married Janice Stephenson Pridgen, whom he adored, on March 23,1985 and remained her devoted husband until his death – not long after celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

Together they raised two children: Emily Brooke Kirchner (Kane) of Apex, NC; and Daniel Pridgen (Corrie) of Rocky Mount, NC. They were blessed with four grandchildren: Emma Kate, William, Emery and Hannah. Bobby is also survived by his brother, William S. Pridgen Jr. (Linda) and nephews Neil and David; brother-in-law Ray Stephenson (Jennifer) and their children.

Bobby was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol in Wake County for many years and also served in executive security protection for the North Carolina Governor’s office. Although he spent long hours on the road in service to the community, he made coming home to his family every evening a priority.

Bobby was always looking for a way to contribute his time and talents in service of others. In addition to patrolman, he ran a successful awning business (Rocky Mount Awning & Tent) for decades supporting the greater Triangle area. He was a man of integrity, faith and great work ethic – important values he always imparted on his children.

Even though he retired in 2016 to the Crystal Coast, Bobby loved to work and began greeting boaters and pumping gas at the Gulf Dock in Morehead City, where he became fast friends with locals and visitors passing through. He could often be found scooping ice cream and passing out samples in the dock store to both kids and dogs. He always had a soft spot for animals but especially for his grandkids, who adored their “Gdaddy” almost as much as he adored them.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter and taught many the finer points of being an outdoorsman. He loved to explore Shackelford Banks and Beaufort by boat and could easily spend all day on the canals across the Crystal Coast, as long as his family was in tow.

He will be remembered for the way he always made everyone around him feel loved, comfortable and cared for, bringing gentleness at every turn. His kindness was always within reach to friends, family and strangers alike. He will be forever missed.

A memorial service to honor Bobby’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 11th at Munden Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Carteret County Humane Society 853 Hibbs Road Newport NC 28570 in memory of Bobby.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.