James Henry “Buddy” “Big Buddy” Pruden, 86, of 1402 Clary’s Drive, Suffolk, Va., died Sunday, March 31, 2013, at Sentara Obici Hospital surrounded by family. He was a native of Como, N.C., and the son of Joseph Thomas Pruden and Margaret Emily Foxx. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Jefferson Pruden; one son, Joseph T. Pruden; two sisters, Catherine P. Doughty and Bessie L. Pruden; one brother, Walter Thomas Pruden.

He was first employed with Hugh L. Holland Realty before starting his own business, Pruden Realty and Small Repairs. He retired several years ago. He was a member of Sixth Street Baptist Church and its Deacon Ministry.

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Dorothy P. Bradley (Terry), of Ft. Washington, Md., Bernice P. Rabb (Beverly), of Clinton, Md. and Peggy P. Boone, of Newport News, Va.; foster daughter, Joyce H. Woodson (Vernon); one son, James H. Pruden Jr. (Vivian), of Suffolk; six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Linwood Peel; goddaughter, Alberta Brown; three nieces, one nephew, cousins and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Sixth Street Baptist Church. Interment will be in Pruden Estates, 4053 White Marsh Road. The body will be placed in the church at 9:30 a.m. for the final viewing. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 5, 2013, at Crocker Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.