UNION - Elmer Kyle Pridemore, Jr., age 83, of Clinton, husband of Norma Childers Pridemore, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Born on December 3, 1942, in Union, SC, Kyle was the son of the late Elmer Kyle Pridemore, Sr., and Betty Gregory Pridemore.
Kyle proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis aboard the USS Nespelen (AOG-55). A dedicated and hardworking man, he retired from Torrington Bearing Company after 46 years of service. Following his retirement, he continued serving his community through his work at Clinton Middle School.
A man of deep faith, Kyle was a member of Davidson Street Baptist Church, where he previously served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He also founded the food pantry at Wayside Baptist Church, reflecting his commitment to helping others.
Kyle had an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He loved fishing and shrimping, coaching Little League baseball, and cheering on his beloved Gamecocks. Above all, he will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his generous heart.
In addition to his wife, Norma, Kyle is survived by his son, Danny Pridemore; daughters, Crystal King (Jimmy) and Christy Blanton (Jason); and stepdaughters, Billie Ann Parker, Karen Plaia (Montie), and Melinda Malone (Robert). He is also survived by a special step-granddaughter, Johnnie Lee Irick (Jonathan); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Margie Pridemore and Mary Pridemore; and his faithful furry sidekick, Daisy.
In addition to his parents, Kyle was preceded in death by his first wife, Pat Pridemore; his son, Timothy Pridemore; his brothers, Tim Pridemore and Ronnie Pridemore; his sister, Frances Carson; and his grandson, Johnathan Malone.
The family extends special thanks to Kaye Osborne, Marie Thompson, and the entire staff of VIA Health Partners for the love, compassion, and care they provided.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Davidson Street Baptist Church, with Dr. Benny Littlejohn and Rev. Kenny Moore officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Union Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Al Smith, Jonathan Irick, Matthew Kittrell, Ron Carroll, and Christopher Malone. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Hughes, Ronnie Carroll, Tom Caughman, Emory Dillon, Brad Robertson, and the Men’s Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Davidson Street Baptist Church, 400 Davidson Street, Clinton, SC 29325.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.grayfuneralhome.com.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Pridemore family with arrangements.
