RICHARD BRUCE PRICE
Aug. 9, 1928-Nov. 7, 2017
Richard Bruce Price, 89, Emerald Isle, N.C., went to be with his Lord and Savior Nov. 7, 2017, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.
Bruce was born Aug. 9, 1928, in Petersburg, Va., to the late Robert Malcolm Price and Mary Oneida Price.
Attending Hopewell High School in Hopewell, Va., he was known to be one of Hopewell High's most all around students singing a cappella in the school choir, musicals and operettas.
He was also known as one of Hopewell High's outstanding athletes. He was recognized on the 1946 All State football team, which included the top 22 athletes in the state of Virginia.
In addition, Bruce was a three-year letterman in both baseball and basketball.
Following his graduation from Hopewell High School, he was awarded a scholarship to Duke University, where he played football under the legendary Wallace Wade.
Transferring to the University of Richmond, Bruce was a shining star in the Spiders' backfield.
He met the love of his life, Rose Cranford on April Fool's Day, 1951, in New Orleans, La., and shared 62 years together, raising their two children, Tona and Robby.
Stories are told that the first time he laid eyes on Rose, he said "I'm going to marry you." And 57 days later he did just that.
Bruce spent 21 years in the United States Air Force, serving tours in Mississippi, Greenland, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, England, Idaho, the Philippines and North Carolina.
His love for young people was shown through countless activities -- working with the girls and boys at an orphanage on Cebu Island and coaching young athletes on the football and baseball fields.
Retiring from the United States Air Force at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C., Bruce began a new career as an AFROTC instructor at Southern Wayne High School in Mount Olive, N.C.
Both Bruce and Rose were very active in the lives of their two children. Bruce coached Robby's Little League football and baseball teams. He was a loyal supporter of Robby's football career at Appalachian State University. They both served as guest speakers on "love and marriage" at one of Tona's classes at East Carolina University.
Finally retiring to Emerald Isle, N.C., Bruce enjoyed the beach life. Many of his favorite memories were spent with his grandchildren fishing, clamming and boating.
He always enjoyed pulling for his Green Bay Packers and the University of Alabama.
He believed in the strong values, hard work and tenacity of both Vince Lombardi and the great Bear Bryant.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Tona Kirk and husband, John, of Coral Springs, Fla.; son, Robby Price and wife, Ellen, of Huntersville, N.C.: grandchildren, Shane Travis Kirk and wife, Nicole, Cody Price Kirk and wife, Dana, and David Bruce Price; great-grandson, Grayson Kirk; and many beloved nephews and nieces and their spouses.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, as well as his sister, Dorothy Kroener.
The family will receive guests Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home, 407 Hammocks Road, Swansboro, N.C.
A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home, officiated by pastor Kevin Clubb. A burial with full military honors will be held at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, N.C., following the service.
Serving as pallbearers are Shane Kirk, Cody Kirk, David Price, Mike Myrick, Bobby Myrick, Bruce Owen, Lee Cranford and Ron Tremblay.
Memorials may be made to alz.org/alzheimer's association in memory of Richard Bruce Price.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 12, 2017 3:05 AM