David Lee Price

David Lee Price

David Lee Price "Dave", 73, of Earlysville, died on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at The Hospice House in Charlottesville, following a lengthy illness.

Born March 28, 1937, the son of the late Robert Lee and Evelyn Sealock Price, he was raised in a three generation household by his grandparents, the late David Henry and Lucy Fainter Price. He grew to think of his father's siblings as sisters and brothers, rather than aunts and uncles.

David entered The Miller School of Albemarle when he was in the fifth grade and graduated from that institution in 1955, having attained the rank of Cadet Colonel. He remained at Miller School, successfully completing an additional year as a post graduate.

He competed in various sports while at Miller School and was offered a scholarship to play football at the University of Virginia. However, he elected to go with his first love - - baseball-- and played with The Valley League for several years, while working in various occupations and pursuing and completing additional continuing educational programs, in order to decide upon and become better prepared for a career.

In 1958, he began working for VEPCO (now Dominion Virginia Power) and retired as a Sub-Station electrician, 1st class in 1994, after 36 years of service.

He served in the United States Army National Guard of Virginia from 1959 until 1966, receiving an Honorable Discharge as Staff Sergeant E- 6. While in the National Guard he had the honor of being a member of the Colonial Honor Guard, marching in numerous local and statewide parades and in at least one inaugural parade during the course of his service. He was named Soldier of the Month several times during his career.

Dave was a quiet, loving and gentle man, and always the perfect gentleman, who gave his all to everyone he knew and to everything he tried to do.

He coached little league baseball for several years, even after his own son was too old to play, taking some of his All Star teams to championships. Many a planned family vacation was delayed or cancelled, depending on how long his All Stars remained in competition.

He also enjoyed bowling and bowled in the Thursday night men's league for Riverside Lunch until duck pin bowling was discontinued at the local bowling alley. The bowling team, however, continued their Thursday night "bowling" for many years and Dave remained devoted to that activity and the friends he met there until his health made it difficult or impossible for him to attend. His "Bowling Team Family" continues their Thursday night get togethers and their families remain close.

Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patsy F. Price of Earlysville; his daughter, Paige Stuart Price "Daddy's Little Girl and her partner, Anne Hansen, of Santa Clara, California; his son, D. Scott Price, best friend and "driving buddy", and his wife, Judith H., of Lake Monticello; and two cherished granddaughters, Caroline Hunter "Callie" Price and Lindsay Campbell "Lou" Price, also of Lake Monticello.

He is also survived by his sister, Shirley P. Newman of Orange; a niece, Sharon P. Mohrmann and her husband, William, and their children, Penn, John and Ann Taylor Mohrmann; a nephew, Michael R. Callahan, and his children, Rodney M. and Loren M. Callahan, all of Orange; and two special aunts, Velma P. Walton and Mary P. Carver, of Charlottesville; an aunt, Margaret Viau of Washington State; and a host of cousins and their families.

He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lyla F. Pleasants of Keswick and Margaret G. Bibb, of Hampton; as well as a host of other close members of his wife's family.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Joseph W. May and his staff; the Administration and Staff of Winterhaven Assisted Living and to everyone at Hospice House and The Hospice of the Piedmont for all their loving and understanding care throughout his journey; and a very special thanks to Nancy W. Haney and little "Miss Ashley" who brought such joy to Dave during their visits.

The family also wishes to express appreciation to close neighbors and friends for all the help, support and encouragement they have given to Dave and Patsy over the years.

Dave will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A family visitation will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2010, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at Riverview Cemetery, with services conducted by Mr. Duane Snow.

Pallbearers or Honorary Pallbearers will be Scott Bradshaw, Michael Coiner, Keith Franklin, George Gay, Clyde Smith and "Buster" Taylor "the Bowling Team".

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or the Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Way, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Friends may sign the register book at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.