Elroy Pringle

Mr. Elroy Flowers Pringle, better known as “Buddy”, was born on September 24, 1940 to the late Equella Jenkins and Etta Pringle McDonald. At the age of one, he was given to the late Uncle Julius and Aunt Ida Jane Flowers to raise and his cousin, Virginia Flowers McClellan.

Virginia Flowers McClennan became his caregiver and sister. She loved him and was always there for him. He attended Rains Elementary School and Terrell’s Bay High School in Marion County, South Carolina. He joined New Life Holiness Church and there he received his formal Biblical teachings about Jesus Christ. He migrated to the Bronx, New York with .75 cents in his pocket. He was eager when he arrived in New York wanting to have a better life outside of the cotton, tobacco fields, the outhouses and homes heated with wood stoves. 

While in New York, he attended barbering school and worked a variety of jobs. He received his certification and worked as a Barber and Beautician for 20 years at the Julian Lewis Barber Shop on 116th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem, New York. He was able to style processes and many other current styles at the time. Elroy also sported one himself. As one of his many jobs while in New York. He went to school to study radio, TV and electronics repair. He was part of the modern-day Geek Squad during his time.  

In the 1970’s, Elroy became an entrepreneur and purchased three cabs, one straight job truck for furniture deliveries, selling fish and helping to take care of the homeless. His life was changed on a cold night when he was driving one of the cabs when a man put a gun to his head and demanded he give up the money. God Spared his life.  

In the 1980’s, he purchased a concession truck (today’s food truck), which was the love of his life. He got to  work with a variety of customers from young too old to a concession truck to buy candy and treats.  He took time to lecture them on the importance of school and leading a good life.  He joined the Teamsters Union and drove for the movie industry. During that time he met  a variety of A list movie stars.  He later retired from the Union in 2002. 

In 1967, Elroy joined the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem, New York, under the leadership of Dr. Wyatt T Walker. In 1972, he was ordained as a Deacon.  He later relocated to Florence, South Carolina and became a member of the New Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Reverend Dr. Norman Gamble s the Pastor.  As a member of the New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Elroy was an active member with the Prayer and Support Undershepherd Ministries. 

He was married to Frances Leola Pringle, his high school sweetheart in 1962, where they met in school. 

After 82 blessed years, Elroy departed this earthly life on Monday morning, December 26, 2022, with his devoted wife of 60 years by his side. 

Elroy was preceded in death by his father, mother, an aunt, Ida Jane Flowers; and a cousin, Virginia Flowers McClennan.

Elroy leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving and devoted wife, Frances Pringle; a son, Eric Pringle; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Lewis-Pringle; a granddaughter, Carissa M. Pringle; and his niece, Mrs. Linda Miller; six sisters-in-laws, Gail Wilson, Roberta White, Loretta Goodman, Gina Reaves, Betty Reaves, and Mary Reaves; six brothers-in-law,  Nate Wilson, Vernon White, Jack Reaves, Milton Reaves, Timothy Reaves, and Roy Bethea; a first cousin, Julius Wilson; several godchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

Please keep the family of Elroy F. Pringle in your thought and prayers.