Paul M. Pridgen Jr., 85, of Chapin, a long-serving pastor in his hometown of Charleston, died Oct. 28, 2012.
PridgenBorn on Oct. 4, 1927, in Charleston, Pridgen spent most of his life and ministry in the Charleston area. He graduated from Carlisle Military Academy, Furman University and Southeastern Seminary, and received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the Baptist College of Charleston (now Charleston Southern University).
Ordained to the ministry at First Baptist Church of North Charleston in 1951, Pridgen represented the fourth generation of Baptist ministers in his family. He served Baptist churches and institutions in North Carolina and South Carolina. Returning to First Baptist Church of North Charleston in 1962, Pridgen followed his father as pastor of the congregation. Father and son served for 62 years consecutively at the church.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Millie Hawkins Pridgen, two sons, four grandsons and two great-grandchildren.