Charles Phililp Price, 1917-2000Charles Philip Price, 83, rose to be with his Lord on Sunday morning, October 1, 2000. Before retiring in 1982, Charles pastored the following rural Virginia United Methodist churches and circuits: North Patrick, Cascade, Ferrum-Bethany, Patrick Springs, Highland-Bluegrass, Pamplin, West Franklin, Bethel-St. Matthew (Mathews County), Providence-Woodland (Suffolk), Isle of Wight, Philadelphia (Brunswick County), Rapidan (Madison County), Little Fork (Culpeper), Greene, North Brunswick, and West Mecklenburg. He loved the Virginia countryside, and could often be seen walking from farm to farm, getting some exercise between visits to his parishioners. Charles’ pulpit ministry was highlighted by his extensive use of stories to illustrate his points. He also would regularly quote Scripture or poetry from memory, and believed that the Bible was the only infallible guide to a relationship with God. In addition to the spoken word, Charles also ministered to his parishes through music. Though not formally trained, he loved music and often led the congregational singing in his small parishes or directed the choir. Sometimes he even played the piano. His favorite choirs learned his beloved "shaped-note" music. Many times, he and his six children would form a duet, a trio or a quartet to provide special inspirational music. As a rural pastor, Charles had to take on a variety of tasks, including working with the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, supporting Vacation Bible School, playing on the church softball team, teaching midweek Bible study or leading a summer revival meeting. When the opportunity arose, he would also extend the church’s walls by conducting a weekly radio broadcast or ministering at a nursing home. A native of Mayodan, North Carolina, Charles served as a medic in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. After the war ended, he completed high school and earned his associate’s degree at Ferrum College, and his bachelor’s degree from High Point College. He later earned a certificate in divinity from Duke University. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Irene Nichols Price. He is survived by a sister, Marion Gish, of Roanoke; by four daughters, Marie Fiester of Baltimore, Bessie Oakley of Durham, Elsie Poulin of Atlanta, and Annette Ferguson of Culpeper; by two sons, the Rev. John Price of Hampton (Bethany), and Phil Price of Suffolk; by seven grandchildren; by two great-grandchildren; and by his devoted friend, Reva Harrison, of Rocky Mount. — Philip Price |