Donald Price

Donald Price, 98, of Julian, passed away at his family farm on November 4, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life.  

Don was born on November 30, 1925 in Julian to Cyril and Vivian Price and was one of six children. He was part of the Scott High School class of 1944 but graduated six months early in December 1943 to enlist in the United States Navy. By March of 1944, he was aboard ship in the South Pacific as a radio operator contributing to the war effort.  

After being part of the post-war occupation force of Japan, he returned home in August 1946 and began working at Boone National Bank as a junior teller under the GI Bill. Don dedicated his entire career to the institution and retired in 1989 as bank president.  

Don also lived a life of stewardship and service toward others and was a pillar in his community, always willing to lend a helping hand. Among his contributions, he was a Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop 289, involved with local churches, and served as the Mayor of Madison in the early 1970s. In 2019, he was named the WV Coal Festival’s Native Son. 

Don married the love of his life, Erma Stollings, in 1950. The pair resided in the Madison-Danville area and had two children, Terry and Larry, and two grandchildren, Brett and Sara “Nikki.” Don and Erma enjoyed traditional square dancing and often traveled throughout the eastern United States performing. They also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling cross-country. After Erma’s passing in 2000, Don’s focus shifted to caring for his family farm in Julian which has been in the family since 1832. In 2003, he remarried to Faye Grimes.

He is survived by: sons Terry (Deneaise) Price and Larry (Cathy) Price; grandchildren Brett Price and Sara “Nikki” (Jeff) Price; sisters Phyllis Arnett and Nancy Hamrick; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends. 

He is predeceased by: parents Cyril and Vivian Price; sister Mary Evelyn Shaw; brothers Maxwell “Max” and Joesph “Joe” Price; first wife Erma Stollings; second wife Faye Grimes; daughter-in-law Teresa Price; and many loved ones and friends. 

The family would like to express tremendous gratitude to Don’s caregivers who ensured his comfort, peace, and care at the end of his life: his niece Brenda Stollings, Becky Thompson, Beth Jarrell, Jayden Shepherd, and the late Kathy Bailey. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Julian. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Handley Funeral Home, Danville, WV and will be on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 1:30pm. A graveside service will follow at 2:00pm with Reverand Josh Clay and Reverand Tom Bias presiding. Don’s final resting place will be at Boone Memorial Park among his beloved family.