Ralph Colonel Pridmore, 82, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Transylvania Regional Hospital.
A native of Henderson County, Ralph was the son of the late Colonel Roosevelt and Pearl Lee Baldwin Pridmore. He was also preceded in death by a brother, a sister, his beloved great-granddaughter, Alaina Skidmore, and his cherished pets, Oreo and Zelda.
Ralph proudly served his country in both the National Guard and the Army Reserve. A man of strong Pentecostal faith, he was dedicated to his work and family throughout his life. He was employed by Cranston Print Works for more than twenty years and later retired from Mac Heating and Air after ten years of faithful service.
Known as a true jack-of-all-trades, there was rarely a project Ralph could not master. He possessed an inquisitive mind, remarkable skill, and a willingness to help others whenever needed. One of his greatest passions was flying. As a licensed solo pilot, he found great joy in taking to the skies in his Cessna 150, embracing the freedom and peace that aviation brought him.
Above all else, Ralph loved his family. He never missed a birthday, holiday, or opportunity to spend time with those he loved. He was a people person who never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. To his children, he was their hero, a title he carried with honor through his unwavering love, guidance, and example. His kindness, generosity, and warm spirit touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 62 years, Mattie B. Skidmore Pridmore; two sons, Michael Kevin Pridmore (Amanda) and Keith Pridmore (Michelle); one daughter, Sandra Sullivan (Michael); seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers, Paul Pridmore (Linda), Michael Pridmore, Gary Pridmore (Deborah), and Coleman Pridmore (Linda); one sister, Juanita Bellman; and several nieces and nephews.
The family invites relatives and friends to gather for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Anchor Baptist Church, with the Reverend David Clark officiating. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service at the church.
Perhaps no words capture Ralph’s passing more deeply than those spoken by his beloved wife, Mattie: “I have lost my best friend.”
Though his earthly journey has ended, the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
Condolences may be sent to the Pridmore family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.