Former News-Argus editor releases book of stories, writings
By Staff Reports
Published in News on December 4, 2008 1:46 PM
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Gene Price
So for those with whom he has shared a chat, it comes as no surprise that the 55-year newsroom veteran is storytelling again.
Price's newly published "Folks Around Here" is a collection, he says, of humorous and serious columns and editorials published over the years and other stories he has related to friends and audiences.
There are stories about such notables as Dr. Albert Coates, founder of the Institute of Government; Gertrude Weil; Prof. H.V. Brown; the "remarkable" Samuel Jackson family of Parkstown Christmas Parade fame; and of Goldsboro's "legendary" World War II hero John Dortch "Booty" Lewis.
Then there are moving eulogies to Lee Brown, who Price says brought a renaissance to local theater, and to "The Dead Man Found Under the Warehouse."
But Price insists these local tales are fit for every community.
"The name (of the book) is rather a misnomer because the book is about people you will find in your community no matter where you live," he said.
The introduction is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gene Roberts, who got his start from Price before moving on to become editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer and New York Times during his career.
The book is dedicated to the late Hal Tanner Sr., publisher of the News-Argus, and Price's wife, Gloria -- along with others.
Price worked at the News-Argus, starting out as city editor upon return from service as a 28th Infantry Division platoon sergeant during the Korean War. He subsequently served as managing editor, editor and editor emeritus.
He also worked for the Elizabeth City Independent, Greenville Daily Reflector and Norfolk Virginian Pilot.
Price and his wife, Gloria, live at Sleepy Creek, southeast of Goldsboro. They have five children, Joyce Price Johnson of Goldsboro; Susan Price Johnson of Raleigh; Bonnie West of Charlotte; Charles "Chuck" of Los Altos, Calif.; and John of Charlotte.
Numerous book-signing occasions are being scheduled at area civic clubs, restaurants, the Wayne County Public Library and other locations. Price will be at Goldsboro Country Club today at noon, the B&G Grill on Dec. 10 at 7 a.m., and the Lantern Inn on Dec. 18 at noon.
Copies of Price's book can be purchased at the News-Argus, from Joyce Johnson at Weil Enterprises, from the Prices or from the publishers.
To order via the Prices, e-mail g2price@earthlink.net or call 583-9292.
To order straight from the publisher, visit authorhouse.com or call 1-800-839-8640.
The books are $24.50 hardback and $15 for soft cover. Soft cover books are available only through the publisher.