Everette Pridgen Jr., affectionately known to many as "Bongo," was born on June 13, 1946, to the late Everette Pridgen Sr. and the late Gladys Pridgen Thomas. He was the sixth child of nine siblings. He was a gentle, kind and quiet man, but he never met a stranger. He was a man with a big heart and would talk with anyone who would stop and talk with him.

Everette "Bongo" was an avid sports fan who loved the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Braves. Talking about sports and watching sports on television was what he enjoyed doing. If you wanted to know about a sports team, all you needed to do was ask "Bongo," because he could definitely tell you. ESPN was his favorite television channel.

Everette graduated from Cook County Training School with the class of 1968. He worked several years at Production Anodizing.

Everette is preceded in death by his parents. He entered eternal rest on July 16, 2026, at the home of his oldest sibling (Emma Louise Wright).

He leaves to cherish his memories five sisters: Emma Louise Wright of Adel, GA; Rutha Mae Price of Dania, Fla.; Joann Winn of Crawfordville, Fla.; Lillie Rose Johnson (Adel, GA); and Thelma Pridgen (Adel, GA); 3 brothers: Elwood Pridgen (Kathy) of Dayton, Ohio; Oria Pridgen (Eloise) of Dayton, Ohio; and Wayne Pridgen of Sparks, GA.

He also leaves behind several loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Everette "Bongo" was known by many in the community who will miss his presence and voice, especially his sports fan friends.