On August 15, 1924, Roy Lewis Price was born to the parents of Henry and Nettie Price in Nacogdoches, Texas. After the untimely death of his parents he and his two siblings; Estelle and Ernest were raised by their Uncle; Charlie and Aunt; Nettie in Longview, Texas.
Roy was always a man of valor. As a young child; he suffered from crippling polio. However he persevered only to become an enlisted serviceman for the United States Navy at the age of 19. After serving several years; Roy was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 (following World War II).
While living in his hometown of Longview, Texas Roy met and married Ruth Price whom he shared a life of 58 years after moving to Marin City, California in pursuit of a better life. To their union three children were born: Roy E Price, Emma Price and Lee Price.
Roy began his career in California at the Naval Shipyards when he arrived. He had a strong work ethic and never turned down any job that would provide for his family. He eventually became a truck driver… sometimes driving for days on the road. God allowed Roy to flourish in his career and he was able to provide a great life for his family. He purchased a home and provided a comfortable life for his family. He worked at the Hamilton Air Force Base and Navy Commissary in Novato, California. Ultimately, he retired from the Navy Public Works Center at NSC in Oakland, California in 1988.
Roy accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at Pruitt Chapel in Marin City, California. He served in the church tirelessly as a Deacon many years which was later renamed Bethsaida Church of God in Christ (now Cornerstone COGIC). Roy loved the Lord so much he was known to share the goodness of Jesus Christ and witnessed to family and friends often. Some Sundays he would attend two church services; first at Bethsaida and then at his dear friend Pastor Ward’s church. Roy continued to be an active member of Cornerstone Church of God In Christ until his health prevented him from attending service.
Roy loved his family dearly, always guiding his children to work and to be self-sufficient. He was passionate about automobiles…. specifically classic American cars. He loved working on them and knew every model and how fast the cars could run. Roy loved racing where it was legal and always declared his car best. Roy shared his love of cars with his lifelong friend and brother-in-law Pete Wilson, his children, nephews, and grandson. He even taught his daughter, and granddaughters how to care for their cars, how to drive, and park with precision. Roy also loved the sport of boxing. On any given Saturday night you could find him watching the fights with his son Lee.
Roy loved spending quality time with his family. He was affectionately known as “Paw Paw” by his grandchildren. He often took long distance road trips back home to Texas with his children and then grandchildren during the summers in their family car “Old Geronimo.” On the way to Longview, Texas he would stop at the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico to purchase authentic gifts such as moccasin boots, blankets and turquoise jewelry. Every year he would pile his grandchildren into his RV camper and drive them to the State Fair in Sacramento. He was always prepared and resourceful. The camper would provide a place to sleep, use the restroom and prepare a meal as there were always at least four grand-children to care for. Roy would also spend time with his grandchildren at the Marin County fair locally every July.
Roy was very habitual and dependable. If he gave you his word… he meant it! He would always lend a helping hand. He had a great sense of humor… he would always greet you with “Howdy Partner” and depart with “Ya’ll come back now…. Ya hear?” Every morning he would eat a bowl of oat meal with a cup of milk. He valued his health and practiced good oral hygiene; as he would brush his teeth at least 10 minutes before leaving the sink. He ran around 5 miles a day in a worn pair of jeans and a long-sleeved flannel shirt; because he was very frugal (having been raised during the Great Depression). He enjoyed reading the newspaper from front to back quietly on the couch in the living room daily. He had an infectious crooked smile that lit up the heart; bright joyful eyes that told a story you would never forget and a laugh that seemed to end abruptly. He was a genuinely kind man that had great integrity, was highly respectful, and held great responsibility for his loved ones. Roy cared for is wife Ruth alone after she was wheelchair bound until her death.
After the passing of his wife Ruth, Roy was introduced to his second wife Irene by her daughter Yvette Bryant while they were both visiting the graves of their deceased spouses.
At Yvette’s suggestion, they were able to become acquainted and comforted each other through their grief. Roy and Irene Price married on May 11, 2002. With Irene, Roy found a second wind in life. His life took flight literally in a new direction as he experienced new firsts with his new wife. His first airplane flight…. His first use of a passport and trip out of the country… his first cruise ship. Roy and Irene shared many good times together traveling around the country and the Caribbean… they visited the Cayman Islands, Aruba, San Juan Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Mexico to name a few places they visited. They enjoyed fine dining, toured islands and swam oceans together. When they weren’t spending time traveling the two were enjoying each other at home as they shared brisk walks at the Berkeley Marina or exercising together at their gym. Or they would share dinner at Home Town Buffet or his favorite Golden Corral.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Price, brothers: Jessie Price, Nathaniel Price, Elijah Price, and Ernest Price, Sisters: Inez Price, Annie Mae West, and Estelle Porter; niece Pat.
Roy leaves to cherish: sons – Roy E. Price (Toni Price), Lee Price, daughter – Emma Price, step-daughter – Yvette Bryant; Grandchildren – Felicia Carr (Pastor Leroy Carr Jr), Nicole Price, Aisha Bailey (Shawn Bailey), Thomas Grinner (Carolyn Grinner), Jasmine Price; Great Grandchildren – Leroy Carr III (Charent’e Carr), Frederick Carr, Giovanni Collins, Jeramiah Grinner, Elijah Brown, Sharee Roberts, Marcel Roberts, Amari Bailey. Roy also leaves behind a host of loving nieces: Clara, Nettie, Gladys, Terry, and Yvonne; nephews: James, and John cousins and friends. Roy lived a full life and was well liked by everyone he met. He will be truly missed by all.
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