Dr. Joe Pridgen

Dr. Joe Pridgen was born Joseph Francis Kelly, Jr. to Beulah Lorenda Huddleston Pridgen (of Alloy, West Virginia) in Inverness, Florida on March 4, 1959. 

Joe loved his birthday as a Soldier because it was a command.

He was adopted by his stepfather Ralph H. Pridgen of Green Sea, South Carolina.

He grew up in Tampa, Florida and attended Hillsborough High School.

A retired major in the U.S. Army, Joe served with honor and distinction overseas, including Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal. 

Joe went on to finish his doctorate degree in pastoral counseling became an endorsed chaplain.

Joe loved teaching and making people laugh.

He is survived by his lifelong friend and loving wife of more than 47  years, Denise Pridgen; his three beautiful girls who were his heart and his world, Christina Macaulay and husband Drew of South Carolina, Angel Nichols and husband Trey of Missouri and Carolyn Jones and husband Timothy of Alabama; three sisters, Debi Pridgen of Florida, and Dorothy “Dottie” Pridgen Campbell of North Carolina, Kimberly Tovar and husband Refugio of Arizona; an uncle, Ron Kelly of New Mexico; and many cousins & dear friends & church families.

Joe would want all of us to accept Jesus as our Savior - to live for the Lord with all of our being, and join him in heaven when our time comes.

Joe loved his Lord, his family and friends, and his country well.

Your race is run sweet man, wonderful Father- honorable Soldier.

Enjoy your reward!

We will see you soon.

Cremation rites and arrangements were under direction of Adams Crematory. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to King’s Church in Ozark (please write “Dr. Joe” in guest line.)

https://pushpay.com/g/kcozark

Or to Hope Chapel, Glendale for Bibles. https://hopechapelglendale.churchcenter.com/giving/to/nicaragua-missions-trip