Billy Pridemore

PRIDEMORE, Billy age 91 of Kettering, passed away on Tuesday May 31st, 2022. Billy was born in Arno, VA on February 14th, 1931 to the late Landon and Omia (Gallihar) Pridemore. He served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, 10 months, and 4 days and ended his career with the 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division. He served 5 tours in Korea and 3 tours in Vietnam. His military awards include the Bronze Star for heroism, the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Korean Service Medal with silver and bronze stars, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm and the United Nations Korean Service Medal. He was a proud patriot who served his country both in foreign wars and domestically by being selected as a U.S. Air Marshal during the airline hijackings in the 1960's. He flew in disguise and armed from New York to San Francisco regularly protecting the passengers of American Airlines. As a surveyor in the army he was also selected to participate in Desert Rock Nuclear testing in California. He received an honorable discharge in 1973 in Ft. Sill Oklahoma but was a soldier until the day he died.

Billy was preceded in death by daughter, Suzanne Lotridge; brothers George Pridemore, Earnest Pridemore, Charles Pridemore, Tom Pridemore, Joe Pridemore; sisters Renee Mae, Joyce Hupp, June Morris; granddaughter Courtnei Lotridge; grandson Steven Olivas and great grandchild Ramon Dominquez. He is survived by his bride of 59 years Jacqueline; children, Patty (Bruce) Bowman of TX, Billy (Denise) Pridemore of TN, Deborah (Ed) Gallihar of AZ, and Sharon Pridemore of TX; six grandsons, six granddaughters, five great-grandsons, eight great granddaughters; brothers John (Linda) Pridemore of OH, Fred (Joann) Pridemore of OH, Jack (Mary) Pridemore of OH; sister Alice (Phil) Lambert of AL as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family will greet friends 10-11 A.M. with services at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warrior Project, 223 Rosa L. Parks Avenue Suite 301, Nashville, TN 37203 in Billy’s honor. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.