ATHENS, W.Va. – Born in 1927 in Bluefield, W.Va., Raymond Edward Pedigo has already done more good for humanity than most folks his age. But, he’s not ready to sit back and take it easy. He will be graduating this December 16th from Concord College with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. His goal? He wants to get his masters and serve veterans at the Va. Hospital in Beckley as a counselor.
He will be well suited for his ambitious dream. He served his country during the Second World War with a stint in the Coast Guard where he was decorated by the Philippine government for his help in liberating the Philippines. And, he has been a minister for the Church of God for 53 years, the last 20 in the Beckley area. He loves his country and he continues to obey his calling to serve.
He went to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., for two years and graduated in 1951 with an associate degree in ministerial ethics. Then, he took some psychology classes at the University of Tennessee in the ‘60s.
“I decided to go back to school in January 2000, and have not missed one class. I even made it to one class when the teacher couldn’t make it! I will have taken 33 hours to earn my RBA degree. I chose Concord because I felt like it was one of the finest colleges in the nation. I’m just sorry they do not have a masters program, or I would stay right here, because I am going to get my masters degree in counseling. And, I am considering a doctorate degree if things go well with my masters degree.”
Raymond Edward Pedigo
Although Pedigo is “retired,” he continues to preach almost every weekend, filling in for ministers who are on vacation or conducting special services, including military services where he wears his military uniform.
Pedigo took most of his classes in Athens, however, he took some classes in Beckley, where the College offers an accredited social work program. “I really enjoyed my computer classes and they were tough, especially the math part, but I learned a lot. I am thankful for the privileges I have been given in life and look forward to continuing to help others.”
Pedigo lives at 405 Akers Lane in Flat Top, W.Va.
For more information on attending Concord College, call toll-free 1-888-384-5249, or 1-304-384-5248, or e-mail admissions@concord.edu.
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