Gene Allen Pridgen

MSgt Gene Allen Pridgen (US Air Force Ret.), a resident of Dothan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at his residence. He was 79. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 7, 2018 in Highland Park United Methodist Church with Rev. David Willis and Rev. Chris Woodall officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 5-7 pm. Flowers are being accepted or memorial donations may be made to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 1619 S. Park Ave., Dothan, AL 36301. Mr. Pridgen was born on February 26, 1939 in rural Coffee County and lived the early years of his life in Dale County, Alabama. He was a member of the first graduating class at Carroll High School. Mr. Pridgen joined the US Air Force and served for over 20 years before retiring in 1978. Following his military service, he returned to Dothan and was an insurance agent with Independent Life until his medical retirement in 1993. Mr. Pridgen loved the outdoors, fishing, golfing, and playing softball. He was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Pridgen; son, Tim Pridgen; daughters, Valerie Swanson and Haley (John) Firestine; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; his mother, Elma Vee Pridgen; brothers, Charlie Pridgen and James Pridgen; sisters, Betty Childree and Mary Downing; several nieces and nephews. Burial Date July 7, 2018