Dayton Pridgen, age 82, of Taylorsville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Born on October 23, 1943, in Taylorsville, Dayton was the son of the late Ledrew and Minnie Keene Pridgen. A proud 1962 graduate of Taylorsville High School, he was a standout athlete, earning a remarkable total of 16 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, and track.

He continued his education and athletic career at Jones County Junior College, where he excelled in both football and track, before transferring to Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana, to play football.

Dayton dedicated 38 years of distinguished service to Georgia-Pacific Plywood, where he retired in 2007 from the position of Electrical Superintendent. In addition to his primary career, Dayton demonstrated a strong work ethic through his entrepreneurial ventures, successfully constructing over 400 swimming pools and completing numerous electrical projects during his evenings and weekends. He was a man of many talents sought out by others for his expertise and craftsmanship. Above all, he was a dedicated provider for his family and a compassionate neighbor who consistently offered assistance to those in need.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dayton was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He took great pride in managing his pond, which was well known for having some of the largest bream in the area. He was also a passionate sports enthusiast who loved cheering on his grandchildren at their football games, basketball games, and cheerleading competitions. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Taylorsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ledrew and Minnie Keene Pridgen; brother Bobby Joe Pridgen; half-brother John "Jack" Dill (Nell); sister Sarah Pridgen Young; stepson, Kyle Rogers; and brother-in-law Michael Stringer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 37 years, Jo Ann Rogers Pridgen; his daughters, Penny Pridgen (Billy Austin), Stacey Pridgen, and Kim Hill; and his stepson, Joel Rogers (Lori). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Skylar Pridgen (Angel), Zoyee Hill (fiancé Aaron Thomas), step-grandsons Ben Rogers and Tristen Rogers, Saige Thomas (Averi), and River Thomas; his great-grandchildren, Alivia, Mavis, and Mia Pridgen; his nephew, Marty Pridgen; his niece, Mitzi Ashley; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Taylorsville. The funeral service will start 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Taylorsville. The burial service will follow at Fellowship Cemetery. Dr. Frankie Clark will officiate, with special music by Buddy Murphy and Shannon Sharpe.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be James Norris, Tristen Rogers, Saige Thomas, River Thomas, Arthur Shelby, Casey Tolbert.

Honorary pall bearers are George Harrison, Larry McDonnieal, Lee May, Wayne Stringer, Bob Jennings, Larry Robinson, John Billy Blakeney, Lynn Horn, Stacey Pridgen, Billy Austin, Wards Coffee Drinkers, and Skylar Pridgen.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to First Baptist Church of Taylorsville.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com