Michael Ernest Pridgen 64, of Whiteville passed on Thursday March 6, 2025 in Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Angel House. Whiteville.  He was born May 26, 1960 in Robeson County the son of the late Ernest Dixon Pridgen and Thelma Smith Pridgen. 

Michael was a people person. He loved to have people around him all the time and loved to call everyone on the phone even more. He cooked for large crowds at least one night a week for years. He was an avid sportsman.  He went on many hunting and fishing excursions with friends and family.  His friends called him "Buzzard", a nickname that only a few know the origin of.  He worked with his brothers for years at Pridgen Woodworks, Inc. He attended Whiteville High School.

He is survived by Kareesa Enzor Pridgen, exwife and loving caregiver; sons, Jesse Dixon Pridgen and Brayden Enzor Pridgen; sisters, Gwendolyn Larson, Sharlene Pridgen, Rebecca Livingston (Roy) and Laura Pridgen; brothers, Lester Pridgen (Joann), Linwood Pridgen, Paul Pridgen (Sandra), David Pridgen (Kim), Randy Pridgen (Bonita), Rudolph Pridgen (Sheila); nieces and nephews, Thomas Pridgen, Donna Pridgen, Amy Pridgen Simmons, Paula Pridgen Matheson, Nicolle Pridgen Cox, Collins Pridgen, Morgan Pridgen Adam Pridgen, April Pridgen Dyer, Jessica Pridgen Hill, Andrea Pridgen Lee, Jenny Kay Duncan, Bradley Odom and Elliot Duncan; numerous great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews; his faithful dogs, Jake and Roscoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Linda Gail Pridgen, wife, Cindy Turbeville Pridgen, nephews, Windric and Dwight Pridgen, a Niece Joyce Pridgen, and special friend, Michael Ann Williamson.

Michael's funeral service will be at 3:00 pm Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Peacock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Whiteville Memorial Cemetery.

His family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00 pm Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Peacock Funeral Home and at other times at the home on 537 Ernest Lane, Whiteville.

The family wishes to thank all of his friends for rallying around him during the last few months of his life.  Thank you also to his doctors, nurses and hospital staff who participated in his care. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare where he spent his final days.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net