John F. Price Jr. - Retired Captain Passes Away
The Roanoke Firefighters lost a brother last night. Retired Captain John F. Price Jr. passed away. Captain Price was hired on December 1, 1966 and retired March 4, 1998 with 32 years of service. The first time I heard of Captain Price was when Jay Ransome would tell the story of Jay grabbing a Johnny by the elbows and swinging him around hollering let's do the Watusi. Then Johnny was at Jay's mercy because he had his hands in his pockets. Although it might have been the other way around. Jay would tell us that story once a cycle, as well as many others, but that is another story.
Funeral and Visitation Information is [HERE]
But that is only one story. There were so many. Often I would hear about how Johnny was so quick on his feet. The best stories were the ones involving the boys though. Johnny has 3 sons in the Fire Department; Lieutenant John F. Price III, Lieutenant Courtney Price, and Firefighter Chris Price. The stories all began with "One day when Johnny was at work" then the story would take a turn. The boys would get into trouble while at home with Mom "Gail" Price. Apparently Gail knew the solution to the boys acting up, all she would have to do is drive the boys to the station and let Johnny take care of business. I believe this is where the term "Tough Love" came from. After the boys "lesson", Gail would drive the boys back home. The lesson would soon wear off and they would be taught again. These were the types of stories told of Johnny. The funny ones. How he was a great Captain, and was very well respected.
In the past several years, I had the pleasure of working with Johnny and Jerry "Big Daddy" Sullivan at the Golf Tournaments. I would get the BBQ supplies and they would doctor it up to some of the best BBQ around. Johnny loved being at the tournament and seeing all the guys. He always made sure that the guys were well fed.
But those are my memories. I only knew him a short while, and I was hired after he retired. So let us hear from you all. Let us hear your stories. If you haven't posted a comment on this site in the past, this is a perfect opportunity to do so. If you can't figure it out, call me.
I assure you that the four Price Boys are just as proud of their DAD as he was of them. God Bless the Price Family. If you are out of town and need information, email me at FireFleitz@adelphia.net
Funeral and Visitation Information is [HERE]
But that is only one story. There were so many. Often I would hear about how Johnny was so quick on his feet. The best stories were the ones involving the boys though. Johnny has 3 sons in the Fire Department; Lieutenant John F. Price III, Lieutenant Courtney Price, and Firefighter Chris Price. The stories all began with "One day when Johnny was at work" then the story would take a turn. The boys would get into trouble while at home with Mom "Gail" Price. Apparently Gail knew the solution to the boys acting up, all she would have to do is drive the boys to the station and let Johnny take care of business. I believe this is where the term "Tough Love" came from. After the boys "lesson", Gail would drive the boys back home. The lesson would soon wear off and they would be taught again. These were the types of stories told of Johnny. The funny ones. How he was a great Captain, and was very well respected.
In the past several years, I had the pleasure of working with Johnny and Jerry "Big Daddy" Sullivan at the Golf Tournaments. I would get the BBQ supplies and they would doctor it up to some of the best BBQ around. Johnny loved being at the tournament and seeing all the guys. He always made sure that the guys were well fed.
But those are my memories. I only knew him a short while, and I was hired after he retired. So let us hear from you all. Let us hear your stories. If you haven't posted a comment on this site in the past, this is a perfect opportunity to do so. If you can't figure it out, call me.
I assure you that the four Price Boys are just as proud of their DAD as he was of them. God Bless the Price Family. If you are out of town and need information, email me at FireFleitz@adelphia.net
Below are some pictures of Captain Price from over the years.
On the left side is Ronnie Renick, on the right side front toback is Jimmy Renick, John + Gail Price, and Slim Hamblin at a Union Banquet in the Late 1970's.
L-R Jerry "Big Daddy" Sullivan, John Price, Doug Dent, Phil Chitwood
L-R Chuck Swecker, Allen Austin, Bobby Slayton, John PriceTraining around 1997
L-R John Price, Mike Hanks, Jerry Sullivan2004 Golf Tournament
L-R Jerry Sullivan, John Price, Wayne Hall2005 Golf Tournament
Captain Price's arrangements will be forthcoming.
3 comments:
Hell of a man and one hell of a gap is left. He has done more than most of us for the union. I and all of us will miss him greatly.
I as well as the Family greatly appreciate all the calls and well wishes we have recieved. I had the privilege of being not only his son but his pal for the past 35 years. There was never a time I or the union or anyone would call on him that he was not there. He has touched countless individuals through his 65 years. He never met a starnger. I can honestly say that I never herd a cross word said about him. He was so much more than a father he was a friend I could count on. He was suportive in every thing I ever did not just because he was my dad but because that is just how he was. You guys Know how we work with the schedule, Dad put in 32 years and I can tell you I played football, wrestled and played scoccer in high school and in 4 years and three sports a year He never missed a single game or match. It did not matter if I was in Richmond, Va. Beach, Grundy, North Carolina or anywhere in between I could always count on him being there. I thank all the guys that worked for him all the traded time all the hours lost with your families that it took to make that happen. Those of you who worked with POP listened to the stories over and over again I am sure . You knew how proud he was of his family. He was never more proud than when the three of us followed in his footsteps and came to work for the department. I wish Chris had come to work before he retired but that was not the case But I heard him make the commentafter I was promoted The Prices could staff an engine company all by our selfs He was the Captain I was the Lt. And Courtney was the FF. I had the privilege of pulling a 24 hour shift with Pop on the seat and me in the bucket although that night was uneventfull and we only ran 1 call that night will live on in my mind forever. Thanks for all the years of good memories you guys helped to create. And thanks Pop for making me who I am. Lt J.F. Price III (JJ)
Thanks for sharing your story JJ. Your father was loved by FF's throughout the Valley. God Bless
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