Woody Pridgen

Woodrow Winfield Pridgen, the original Woody, Mr. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025.

Woody was born on September 18, 1962, in Columbia, South Carolina to Myrma Ketchum Pridgen and Guy W. Pridgen, Sr. The family soon moved to Wilmington, N.C. just down the street from his grandparents Mattie Mae and Alton Woodrow Ketchum where he enjoyed a wonderful early childhood being close to family, going to the beach and playing with his dog Chip. His fond memories of his hometown would call him back to Wilmington in future years to live, work, and vacation. 

In time, the family transferred to Kingsport, Tennessee. Here, Woody started school at Miller Perry Elementary on top of a big hill in the Colonial Heights area. Many memories were made in Kingsport, especially snowy winters, snowmen, sledding, and enjoying the mountains of East Tennessee. One of the most memorable events for Woody was when he had the opportunity to fly with Santa Claus in a Jet Ranger helicopter as Santa visited the Kingsport Sears store for an event.

After a few years in Kingsport, the family relocated to Hendersonville, Tennessee. Woody continued school at Lakeside Park Elementary, Hawkins Junior High School, and Hendersonville High School (class of 1981). Woody made warm and deep friendships during these years that would last a lifetime. It was in Hendersonville where Woody met his wife Kim Scholl, and they started the story of a life well lived centered on faith, family, and friends.

A lifelong artist of jewelry, Woody spent over 40 years designing, crafting, and repairing jewelry. Beginning as an apprentice at Castleman Jewelers, through his tenure at Bush Jewelers in Hendersonville, and later Reed’s in Wilmington, he repaired jewelry but mostly made friends that became family to him. He continued his career and friendships through his most recent employers of McKenzie Jewelers and Service Jewelry and Repair.

One of Woody’s greatest pleasures was surprising Kim with stunning pieces of jewelry. He was a devoted husband for 37 years. After his marriage to Kim, Woody acquired the title of “Daddy”. From bicycles to Barbies, and Hot Wheels to four wheelers, Woody was an exceptional Dad. His children Lindsey and Luke were his number 1 priority. When the title of Daddy changed to Pop, he embraced his new role with trips to the zoo and lots of Paw Patrol. 

Woody enjoyed traveling and had recently ventured north to Maine and west to the Grand Canyon. No matter the climate, cold or hot, he was sure to bring back a coffee mug and a hat from his adventures. If you went somewhere without him, he always wanted you to bring back a local newspaper. His favorite trips were to his beloved Wilmington, where he could not pass up a stop at Merrit’s. 

Woody is survived by his loving wife Kim Scholl Pridgen; daughter Lindsey (Richard) Watson; son Luke (Savannah) Pridgen; grandsons Row and Field Watson; mother Myrma Joyce Ketchum Pridgen, and brother Guy (Joanne) Pridgen as well as a wonderful group of loving in-laws, and nephews Caleb (Hannah) and Nathan Scholl, whom he adored. He is preceded in death by his father Guy W. Pridgen, Sr; maternal grandparents Alton Woodrow and Mattie Mae Ketchum; paternal grandparents Liston Winfield and Pearl Mitchell Pridgen; nephew Owen Cage Scholl.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25th from 4-7PM and Sunday, January 26th from 1-3PM with a celebration of life to follow at 3PM at Hendersonville Funeral Home in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Stroke Association or the Ascension St. Thomas Foundation.