Carlton Winslow Pruden, 83, of Roanoke Rapids, died Tuesday, October 1, 2019 in Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Mr. Pruden was born April 29, 1936, in Halifax County, the son of John Carlton and Alice Louise Matthews Pruden.  His parents, and a sister, Barbara Pruden Pratt, preceded him in death.

He was a 1954 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School. He received his undergraduate degree from East Carolina, and his Masters in Math from LSU. He served in the US Navy, working with guided missiles. Mr. Pruden taught high school in Portsmouth for three years before going to work with the federal government with the census bureau.

He was a licensed gunsmith and an expert engraver. An avid hunter, he traveled the world on big game expeditions.

Mr. Pruden is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth Powers Pruden; sister, Cathy Pruden Worsham; and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Cedarwood Cemetery; no formal visitation will take place.

Online condolences may be sent to hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.