David Emerson Priddy

David Emerson Priddy passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Bakersfield, California on May 6th, 2023. He was 80 years old. David is survived by his wife of 55 years Jeri (Stone) Priddy, daughter Karen Priddy, son Mark Priddy, daughter-in-law Shannon Priddy, sister Barbara (Priddy) Lang, sister Gay (Priddy) DeTunq, and grandchildren Jessica, Kristopher, Jordan and Cassidy. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Priddy, Mother Iris (Keene) Priddy and sister Janice (Priddy) Tucker. David was born in Bakersfield, California on April 1st, 1943. He grew up in the rural community of Di Gorgio near Arvin, California with parents Joseph and Iris Priddy and his three sisters Barbara, Gay and Janice. He graduated from Arvin High School In 1961 and went on to attend Bakersfield College where he studied electronics. David married Jeri (Stone) Priddy of Bakersfield, California on August 31,1968 and in 1970 their first child, daughter Karen Michel, was born. The family relocated to the bay area in 1971 where David worked as a regional manager for RCA's service division. In 1973 his son, Mark Emerson was born. Unhappy with the corporate lifestyle and constant travel that kept him away from home for long periods, David left RCA and opened his own television and appliance store with business partner John Blew in Menlo Park, CA. The family returned to Bakersfield in 1981 where David worked as the branch manager of General Electric's service center and later as manager of Urner's service department. In his free time David could often be found in his vegetable garden harvesting his favorites like ocra, swiss chard and squash. David kept on top of the latest technology ,from Pong to Laser Disc players, he was sure to have one . He became interested in home computers from their inception and taught himself to build and program them. He was an audiophile and music lover as well. The Beatles , Credence , Elton John , Blood Sweat and Tears, Janice Joplin and Joan Baez were some favorites. One of Davids fondest memories was of meeting Joan Baez, who was a customer at his store. David had a life long passion for motorcycles.. In his 20s he had been a competitive hill climber, winning numerous competitions including the western regional championship. He was never without a motorcycle. Later in life he would enjoy weekend rides in the mountains around Bakersfield, often with his son or good friend Chris Duncan. It was on one of those rides that David discovered and fell in love with the small community of Woody, Ca. He and Jeri bought property in Woody and David went to work designing and drawing the plans for their dream home. David and Jeri moved to Woody when the house was finished in 1996. David spent his retirement years working on various projects around his property, his dog Fred or one of his beloved cats at his side. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was happy to give them endless rides around the property on his tractor. David was always willing to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor and was a valued member of his community. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.