Rev. John Price, Sr.

All who knew Pastor John Price, Sr. would agree that his life was a shining example of what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord he loved. He was the heartbeat wherever he was and lived to serve all who were within his reach. John and his wife were blessed to share a love that most can only dream of, and it was easy to see the great pride he had in becoming a father and grandfather. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, John made a significant impact in the lives of those too numerous to count. Although he will be deeply missed, his family, friends, and community find comfort in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe and look forward to a glorious reunion one day.

Life during the 1950s was filled with great excitement. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm, James Dean made young girls swoon with his movies on the silver screen, and televisions were become part of our living rooms like never before. This was also a time to remember because it was during this decade that Rosa Parks brought civil rights to the forefront and Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th states. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1954 that was filled with great anticipation for a young couple from Lynchburg, Virginia, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as spring began to blossom along the East Coast. The big day finally arrived on April 19th when the healthy baby boy they named John Edmund was born. He was the youngest of eleven children born to his parents, Forest M. and Edna (Flood) Price, and he was raised in the family home alongside his seven sisters, Frances, Rosa, Shirley, Betty, Bessie, Doris, and Edna, and his brothers, George, Forest, and Joseph. John attended local schools within the Campbell County School System and went on to graduate with honors from Altavista High School.

There was nothing of greater importance in John’s life than the day he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It was in August of 1979 that this day, which would forever change the course of his life, occurred. From there he felt a stirring in his heart to reach others as he later stated that, "It has always been my heart's desire to enlighten, inspire, and motivate others to experience the joy and peace that comes through having a personal relationship with God through Christ. Any progress toward that goal is only by the grace of God. In fact, all that I am or ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee." John’s career path took shape at Hampton University, Wake Forest, and Lynchburg Seminary (VUL).

Pastor Price accepted his first pastorate in January of 1981. He spent time pastoring the Shiloh Baptist Church in Lynch Station, Virginia, and the Elk Hill Baptist Church in Wintergreen, Virginia, before settling in as the pastor of the Hills Creek Baptist Church in 1986. Pastor Price served as a minister of the gospel for a total of 34 years and preached extensively throughout the region and several additional states.

Second only to his faith was John’s love for his family. He was the father of six children and a grandfather to eleven, and it was with the love of his life by his side that he treasured priceless moments while watching his family thrive. He and Kearn were soul mates who experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer alongside one another.

Someone who lived life with others in mind, John served within his community in many different capacities as he enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference. He retired from the United States Postal Service as a rural carrier in December of 2010. John’s retirement years allowed him more time to focus on his ministry duties and also to pursue some other interests such as television and radio broadcast ministries. As a singer and musician, John lived to share the good news through song in a variety of venues. He also used his musical talent by serving as the minister of music for the Virginia Baptist State Ushers Convention, which convenes at different locations throughout the state, beginning in 1984. In addition, John served as chairman of the Board of Social Service in Campbell County, which provided him with work that he genuinely enjoyed.

A gracious and compassionate man, John Price, Sr. lived to use his gifts, talents, and abilities to the glory of God and for the inspiration of humanity. Although the way before him was not without times of trial, he considered both the peaks and valleys along his life’s journey to be part of God’s perfect plan for his life. John leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, selfless acts of kindness, and unconditional love to all that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Reverend John E. Price, Sr. entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at the Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg. John’s family includes his wife, Kearn M. Price; six children, Lucinda Yuille (Shawn) of North Carolina, Sherelle Price of Hurt, Calvin Haney (Nikkia) of Northern Virginia, Demietre Payne (Stedman, Jr.) of Roanoke, John E. Price, Jr. (Shavvon) of Appomattox, and Carlos Mickles (Alicia) of Charlottesville; eleven grandchildren, John III, Olivia, Eden, Stedman III, Robert, ShaMyra, Lillian, Ethan, Danielle, Sandra and Christian; six sisters, Rosa Hunt (Pastor Johnny) of Lynchburg, Shirley Tardy of Hurt, Betty Waller (Frank) of Nathalie, Bessie Waller of Danville, Doris Robinson (Ashby) of Lynch Station, and Edna Pitts of Maryland; one brother, Joseph Price (Dorothy) of Gladys; the mother of his children, Doretha Price of Hurt; daughter-in-law, Nicole Price of Lynchburg; sister-in-law, Evelyn Andrews of Lynchburg; three brothers-in-law, John Mickles (Everette) and Lloyd Mickles (Betty), all of Rustburg, and Donald Mickles (Teresa) of Lynchburg; devoted aunt, Betty Flood of Lynchburg; a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Price Hunter Norris; two brothers, George W. Price and Forest Price; and one son, George Q. Price.