Memorial services for Jesse Winston "Buddy" Price will be held Wednesday, at 11 a.m., at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. David Caves and Jack Kern officiating. Burial will be in Toomsuba Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mr. Price, age 82, died Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at his home in Toomsuba. He was born Aug. 6, 1928, to Leander Lafayette Price and Laura Bell Thompson Price at the family home in Toomsuba. He was delivered by Dr. James Monroe Shamburger of Toomsuba and Dr. William Jefferson Anderson, who rode the train out from Meridian to Toomsuba to assist in the difficult delivery. He had one older sister, Annie Laura "Bebe" Price. He attended Dixie Highway School, Chamberlain Hunt Academy and Gulf Coast Military Academy. On Feb. 3, 1944, at age 15, he left Gulf Coast Military Academy, rode a bus to New Orleans and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was sent to San Diego, Calif., for Boot Camp training and upon completion was immediately stationed aboard the USS Fanshaw Bay, CVE 70, which was called "The Fighting Fanny Bee" by her crew. By age 16, he had participated in three major sea battles in the Pacific Theatre, those being Saipan, Halamahara, and Moratai. He was honorably discharged because of being under age. Upon reaching 18, in peace time, he re-enlisted and served on Arote, Guam, the USS Rendova, CVE-144 and the USS Boxer CV-21. During the Korean Crisis, he was called up to active duty in the US Naval Reserve and served aboard the USS Healy DD-672. After returning to civilian life, he returned to Dixie Highway School where he completed his high school requirements. He married Emma Lou Burt Aug. 3, 1949 at ST. Paul Episcopal Church Chapel, by Rev. Duncan Hobart. To this union was born three children: Jesse Alan, Jeffrey Burt, and Lu Ann. In early 1953, Mr. Price went to work for the Mississippi Power Company, Plant Sweatt and retired Dec. 15, 1989, with almost 35 years and 11 months of service. He and his wife were blessed with 22 years of retirement together and they enjoyed each and every day of it. They enjoyed their morning quality time, having coffee on the patio, where they watched the doves come down to eat the corn he had put out for them. Mr. Price was a member of Toomsuba Baptist Church, having surrendered his life to his Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. He was a life member of VFW Post 79. He was also a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Veterans of the USS Fanshaw Bay, CVE 70. Mr. Price is survived by his loving wife of 61 years; sons: Jesse Alan and his wife Janet and Jeffrey Burt and his wife, Jan; daughter, Lu Ann Frey and her husband, Toby; seven grandchildren: Crystal Price Shelby and her husband, William, Jessica Griffin and her husband, Brand, Jonathan Price and his wife, Deanna, Jeremy Price and his wife, Constance, Alyson Price, Teri Frey and Amy Frey; two step-grandchildren: Jeremy Sullivan and his wife, Shantell and Amy House and her husband, Jason; seven great-grandchildren: Neely Guffey, Mason Price, Chase Price, Jaelyn Price, Jonah Price, Jesse Frey and Brady Griffin; and, a greatly anticipated eighth great-grandchild on the way; four step great-grandchildren: Christian Sullivan, Kyle Sullivan, Kayla Goforth and Bailey House; brother-in-law, James E. "Sonny" Wright and his wife, Joyce Powell Chumley Wright; two nephews: Joe Wright and his wife, Louise of Horn Lake and Jimmy Wright and his wife, Jerri of Memphis, Tenn.; dear neighbors and special friends: Faye Ford, Dennis and Judy Morgan and Phil and Kim Moss, all of Toomsuba. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Annie Laura "Bebe" Wright; a grandson, Jesse Alan Price Jr.; and, a step-grandson, Christopher Sullivan. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Kary Whitehead and the staff of Deaconess Home Health and Hospice Compassus who gave him such special care in his last days. Memorial gifts may be made to the Toomsuba Cemetery Association, c/o Faye Thomas at 7064 J.O. Thomas Road, Toomsuba, MS, 39364, or to the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.
