Charles "Dave" Price

1916 - 2014

Price, Charles DaveCharles D. "Dave" Price, M.D., a beloved physician, died peacefully following a brief illness at age 97. Dr. Price performed the first operation at Winter Park Memorial Hospital when it opened in 1955. He was a good man; wise, compassionate, trusted, and loved by everyone because he treated each person as though they were his best friend - and they were. Throughout life, Dave Price kept his farm-boy charm, masculine physique, love of the outdoors, and natural sense of humor. He was born December 27, 1916, and raised with his younger brother, Dan, in Palatka, Florida. His grandparents and great-grandparents were Florida pioneers and lived nearby, although making the 30 mile trip to his grandfather's home required half a day of travel over dirt and clay roads. Dave's life spanned the Great Depression, World War II, Korean War, numerous presidents and the greatest period of social change in American history. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1939, where he met Frances Turner whose father was senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Orlando. In June, 1941, he married Fran who preceded him in death in 2008, after 57 years of marriage. After obtaining a Masters Degree in Parasitology at New York University he worked with the New York Zoological Society. He was an accomplished pianist and also played the pipe organ on special occasions. Dr. Price received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and served in the Army Medical Corps during WWII, and during the Korean War as Chief of Surgery at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1954, Dave and Fran moved to Winter Park and became members of First United Methodist Church. He served as Chief of Staff and Board Member of Winter Park Memorial Hospital. Dave was a Board Certified surgeon and a member of local, state, and regional medical associations including the AMA, American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. Dr. Price is survived by his two sons, Alan (Sue) and Chad (Pam), grandchildren Bryan, Travis (Angie), Janet Cawley (John), David Mathewson (Tara) and great grand children - Rachel, Renee, Kiersten, Cody and Julia. Cesar Alierta, a Spanish exchange student who lived with the Prices in 1962-63, is also considered part of Dave's family. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 9 at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Winter Park, 125 N. Interlachen Ave, with a reception in the courtyard following the service. Arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home of Goldenrod/Winter Park (407-677-5091). In lieu of flowers, Dr. Price requested that donations be made to United Methodist Church of Winter Park or to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital.