Merrill Eugene Pridemore passed away on June 26, 2017 at home surrounded by his wife and loving family. He was born on February 18, 1928 in the Pompano home were he took his first breath and his last. He had a very full life which included being the founding member of both the Sand & Spurs & Coral Springs Saddle Clubs. He was a Pompano Beach High School "Beanpicker" and was the oldest living charter member of the Pompano Beach Elks Lodge 1898. He was raised in Pompano when it was a small farming community where horses were the favorite mode of transportation. He was in the retail liquor business for 40 years as well as being very active in the real estate business. He and Julia were partners with Fred & Carolyn Applegate in the Old Timer Western Store for many years where everyone was welcome and the coffee was always hot. He was a member of the Pompano Beach Historical Society where he shared and contributed many stories and photographs of Pompano and it's history. He is survived by his wife Julia of 69 years, sons, Gene (Carol), Paul (Terri), his daughters, Karen (Keith) Patrick, Denise (Brian) Watson, Donna (Pete) Williams. As well as 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, (soon to be 10). He is predeceased in death by his grandson Justin Phillip O'Keefe, and twin granddaughters, Courtney Lynne and Caris Mae Pridemore. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 29th at Kraeer Funeral Home at 200 North Federal Highway, Pompano, 33062 from 5-8 PM. Services will be on Friday, June 30th, at First Baptist Church, 138 NE 1st Street, Pompano Beach, 33060 at 11 A.M.
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