Don Carlos Price, Sr.

Don C. Price, Sr. passed from this world to eternity with Christ on November 21, 2015, after a lengthy battle with cancer, diabetes and other health issues. He was the twin brother to Dorothy Lee Price Meredith, who passed away in McLean, VA less than twenty-four hours earlier. They were born on August 3, 1926, to Don C. Price (deceased) and Mattie Glen Burns Price (deceased) in Florence, AL. He was predeceased by two sisters, Charlotte Elizabeth (Betty) Price Rice and Martha Glen Price Ellenburg.

As a young lad, he and his father shared the waters of baptism at Highland Baptist Church. He attended Highland throughout his youth and until after he married. In 1958 Highland started Forest Hills Baptist Church (FHBC) as a mission church. He led his family to be part of the start-up congregation. He served for many years at FHBC as a charter member, deacon, teacher and member of the "Willing Workers," a group of men who met regularly to make improvements and repairs to the church facilities. He enjoyed studying the Bible, especially passages related to prophecy. He was a respected teacher of prophecy.

His childhood was interrupted by the untimely death of his father. Thus, at a young age, he stepped up and helped care for his mother and his three sisters by working. He learned the trade of iron working. When Ford began construction on its piston plant in Muscle Shoals, he worked on the construction team. When the plant opened, he was employed as the Maintenance Superintendent. He retired from plant engineering after 30 years of service. During his career with Ford, he was awarded a number of awards, including a new vehicle, for his engineering suggestions and designs. The desire to “engineer” stayed with him to the end!

At the age of 19, he married his wife of 64 years, Bettie Ruth Butler of Tuscumbia, whom he lovingly called “Frog.” They had three children, Donna Chisam (Mike), Don, Jr. (Susan) and Charlotte Carr (Pete), four grandchildren (Blake and Stewart Chisam/Annie Todd and Drew Price) and four great-grandchildren (Jorj, Juliette, Ben and Meredith Chisam). Early in his marriage the family moved to Tuscaloosa and Paducah, KY. He returned with his family to the Shoals in the mid 1950’s and remained until his death.

His relationship with Christ, his family and friends were all priorities.  He loved the Shoals and was proud to be a member of the community and part of its history. He stayed the course, suffered unmercifully and remained engaged in life until his body wore out!  It will be hard to find one that endured as much adversity and kept the faith.

The family would like to extend its appreciation to a number of people. First, his caregiver of two years, Keri Pickering, who showed him amazing care. She read his needs and cared for him with skill, patience and kindness. NeeNee Garner, Paula Darling, Hope Luis and Christi Allen each helped him during the final months of decline. The attentive staff of Keestone Assisted Living, Hospice by Amedisys, Drs. Danny McFall and Felix Morris all showed care and kindness during Don's extended illness and they deserve recognition for their professional services.

Deacons and members at Forest Hills Baptist Church showed Christian love in a special way. Ila Carrigan and Etna Richey rarely missed a Tuesday visit. A number of members visited, sent cards and prepared special treats for him. He appreciated the RA’s who visited him and prayed with him. Pastor Rich offered many years of pastoral care.

Get-well cards and encouraging notes arrived regularly, especially after his wife died, from the Ruth Covenant ladies' Sunday School class at Trinity Baptist Church. His daughter Charlotte is a member of this class. They are the best!

Visitation will be held at Greenview Funeral Home Friday, November 27, 2015 from 12:30-2 p.m.  The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Rich Hardeman officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Greenview Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers will include: R. Blake Chisam, Stewart Chisam, Marlin Johns, Drew Price, Greg Risner, and Greg Sharp. 

The Men’s Adult I Sunday School Class at Forest Hills Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorial tributes be sent to: Forest Hills Baptist Church, 110 Stovall Drive, Florence, Al 35633; Friends of Nazareth, 3482 Keith Bridge Road, Suite 215, Cumming, GA 30041 or at www.FriendsofNazareth.org; or your favorite charity

 Service Information