Harper Pridgen, 80, of Richmond, formerly of Blackstone, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, October 24, 2004. He was born to Isaac Lofton and Sudie Virginia Pridgen in Nottoway County on August 28, 1924. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lydia Grace Elder.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Minnie D. Pridgen; two daughters, Brenda P. Boggs and her husband, Jimmy, and Sudie P. Elder and her husband, Rudy; and one son, James L. Pridgen and his wife, Carol. He dearly loved his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa”. They include James Loften Pridgen Jr. and his wife, Shelley, Todd Harper Pridgen and his wife, Jennifer, Rebecca P. Reitz and her husband. Mark, Christopher Pridgen, Ann Marie and Frankie Robinson, Corey Boggs and his wife. Amber, Jeremy Boggs, Ryan Boggs, Rudy Elder III, Quincy Harper Elder, Isaac Reed Elder, Little Emma Joy Elder and one more due in March. He was blessed with three precious great-grandchildren, Kelsey Ann Reitz, Mark G. Reitz III, Isabella Pridgen and one more due in May. He is also survived by his sister, Sudie P. Hawks of Colonial Heights; and two brothers, George Ray Pridgen and his wife, Doris of Blackstone, and Isaac Ernest “Ike” Pridgen of Crewe; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a proud Army veteran of World War II, who participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He retired in 1997 after 35 years of faithful service from Shoosmith Brothers, Inc.

His remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Homes' Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Rd., where the family will receive friends .Monday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and where services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday. Interment will take place Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Farmville, Va.

Local arrangements by Shorter Funeral Home, Farmville.