Richard "Andy" Price

Richard “Andy” Price, age 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep at The Stratford Assisted Living and Memory Care in Chapel Hill, NC, where he had lived since June 2020.

Born on October 16, 1942, in Railroad, Pennsylvania, Andy was the son of Katherine Firebaugh Price and James Daniel Price, Sr. He graduated from Deland High School in Deland, Florida in 1960, and two years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his service, Andy worked in accounting and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Berlin, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

Following his military service, Andy pursued higher education at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. While his professional career centered on accounting—most notably with the VA Medical Center—his greatest passion was music. A lifelong church musician, Andy served as a vocalist, pianist, organist, choir director, and music minister throughout his life.

Guided by deep faith and a generous heart, Andy felt called to help others however he could. During his years in Columbia, SC, he opened his home to foster more than 18 boys and volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters through the United Way. Later in life, he worked for Dawn of Hope in Johnson City, supporting adults with developmental disabilities in achieving employment and independent living.

Andy found joy in gardening, cooking, playing his keyboards, researching family genealogy, and watching sports—especially tennis and NASCAR.

He is survived by his children, Mark Price (fiancé June) and Kelly Price Clark (Tony); his grandchildren, Sam Stone and Kate Clark; his siblings, Lois Price Santos, J.D. Price Jr., and Susan Price Bamberg; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

A private burial will take place at Mountain Home National Cemetery near Johnson City, TN. A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the music ministry at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, NC.