Richard Wayne Pledger, 42, was born in Iredell County on June 23, 1981, to Richard Wayne Smith and Kimberly Kim Pledger.

Richard departed this life suddenly on Sunday April 21, 2024.

Richard, who was known as “Pumpkin,” attended Iredell-Statesville Schools. He had a vast knowledge of auto repairs, home repairs and general labor work. Pumpkin loved to go fishing, rebuild cars and anything on TV that deals with auto repairs. Pumpkin never meet a stranger. He treated everyone with respect and loved playing with the kids.

Richard was preceded in death by one sister, Tracy Pledger; his maternal grandparents, Thedward Millsap and Mattie P. Smith, and his paternal grandparents, Richard W. Smith and Orzina Smith.

Richard married the love of his life, Amanda Vines, on May 10, 2013.

He leaves to celebrate his life his devoted wife Amanda Vines of the home; his children, Aniyah Pledger, Jaleya Lawson, Jahmill Lawson and Jayden Vines; his loving parents, Richard Wayne Smith and Kimberly Kim Pledger of Statesville; three brothers, Jacobian A. Pledger, Marcus A. Pledger and Latron Walters; two sisters, Latreia Leach (Ricky) and Keira Smith; one grandson, Aiden L. Young; his father- and mother-in-law, Donnie and Marcella Scott; two brothers-in-law, Jerome Vines and Brandon Vines of Baltimore, Md.; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives, friends and his group of Brothers for Life.

Celebration of Life will be conducted Monday, April 29, 2924 at Christian Outreach of the Piedmont. Bishop Glenn Usry, Pastor will officiate.

The family will assemble at the residence, 624 Stewart Court, Statesville, NC 28677 at other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Pledger at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Pledger family.