J.D. Pridmore

In early morning hours of October 16, 2023, J.D. Pridemore, 81, passed peacefully from this life to the next after a four year battle with lung cancer.
During his years in Michigan, he professed Christ, was baptized, and joined the Congregational Church. Discussions with him in his last years help validate that he was sincere in that profession and therefore, we have comfort that he is spending eternity with the Lord.
J.D., the eldest of three siblings, was born July 18, 1942 in Knox County (Kingtown), KY to George Elmer and Daisy Prichard Pridemore, who both preceded him in death.
J.D. worked at manual labor jobs during his life. As a teenager, he worked odd jobs for neighbors and family and then, began to work at Vial Lumber Company in Barbourville, KY., until getting married to Florene Sizemore in 1964 and moving to Michigan in 1965 where they raised their two children, Dan and Jen before divorcing in 1985. While he was in Michigan, he worked at New Haven Foundry until 1985 at which time he returned to Kentucky. He then worked a brief time with cousins, Jesse and Frank Perkins, in coal mining. After which he began to work with his brother-in-law, Paul, at Interstate Coal Company in London, KY. When that company facility closed, he was able to continue working with Paul at Central Automotive in Corbin, KY until 2003. At which time, he was forced to retire due to disability from a heart attack/surgery.
Following his retirement, he and his nephew, Jeff, began raising cattle and cutting/baling hay. This also brought him great enjoyment. One of the things that he missed was farm life.
From the time J.D. was a child, his heart’s desire was to be outdoors in nature as much as possible. He spent that time hunting, fishing, digging gin seng, and riding through the woods in his side by side. He also loved watching old westerns and cooking new recipes. He also enjoyed gardening.
He is survived by his children, Dan (Kendra) Pridemore of Howell, MI, and Jen (Joe) Lieto of Canton, MI; his grandchildren, Jacob Pridemore, Kelsey (Andrew) Rising, Katelyn Polich, and Mitchell Polich. He is also survived by his siblings, Shelby (Gloria) Pridemore of Amarillo, TX, Alma (Paul) Powers of Corbin, KY, nieces and nephews, Jeff (Jamie) Powers of Corbin, KY, David Pridemore of TX, Kim Pridemore Lee of TX, great nieces and nephews, Maggie Powers of Corbin, KY, Jonathan Lee of TX and Jack Pridemore of TX.
He was a down home country boy from the hills of Kentucky. He faced his life with resolve and determination to overcome life’s challenges. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Services were held on Saturday, October 21 at Croley Funeral Home, with Rev. Doyle Lester and Rev. Ryan Bailey officiating.
He was be laid to rest at the Old Calvin Prichard Cemetery at Mackey Bend in Knox County, KY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in J.D.’s memory to one of the following, Old Calvin Prichard Cemetery Fund, Highland Park Baptist Church, VNA Hospice of London, KY, your local hospice program, or a local charity supporting cancer patients and survivors.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.