Larry Dean Price

Larry Dean Price, 80, of Tyler, went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 19th, 2015. A memorial service will held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., at Green Acres Baptist Church Chapel in Tyler with Dr. Paul Powell and Dr. David Dykes officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. On Sunday, May 24, 2015, a graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Mt. Pleasant, Texas at 2:00 p.m. Larry was born December 3, 1934 to Vern and Arvin Price of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Mr. Price was a humble man who was compassionate toward others, and grateful for his many blessings. He was a loving Christian father and grandfather whose generosity touched so many lives. After graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School, Larry originally went to East Texas State University (formerly ET State College) in Commerce, Texas on a track scholarship in 1953, but switched to a football scholarship once he was there. He played tailback for the Lions for four years, and his team won the Conference title three of those years. While at East Texas State, Larry met the love of his life, Joan Callaway. They were married 59 years and had 3 sons. Following graduation from East Texas State, Larry spent five years as a high school coach in Electra and Weatherford, Texas. He would then go on to work as a sales manager for Fidelity Union Life Insurance Co. in Dallas. With the support of his wife, Joan, Mr. Price made a career change and followed his love for trucking when he took a position as a truck salesman for the International Harvester Company in 1962. While at International Harvester, he was promoted to a Zone Manager for the company's truck dealership network. In 1969, Mr. Price purchased the Tyler dealership franchise for International Trucks known as Price International, Inc. Today it is one of the oldest heavy-duty truck dealerships to be held by the same owner in Texas with 46 years in business. He stated that he originally chose Tyler because it was a good place to live and to raise a family. The Tyler dealership sold 12 trucks the year before he acquired the business but would later go on to win International Truck's prestigious Circle of Excellence Award numerous times. During his career Price was recognized by International Trucks as one of its top dealers in the nation. Larry served on International's National Dealer Council five times. One of the achievements of which he was most proud was that Price International has had a total of 22 current and former employees with more than 20 years of service each, and 13 of those who have at least 30 years of service each. Larry and Joan Price joined Green Acres Baptist Church in 1969 upon moving to Tyler. As a member of Green Acres he served as a deacon and also taught Sunday school for many years. His faith was the foundation of his life and he sought wisdom from God in all matters. He stated that the Tyler community had been so good to his family that it could only be a blessing from God. Larry had several high school teammates that stayed close throughout the years. They would gather together at least one time every year to hunt, fish, backpack, canoe, play golf or just get together to retell stories. He was a Master Mason and member of Sharon Temple Shrine. Larry Price was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Arvin Price, his brother Royce Shelton Price and one son, Randall Price. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan Price; two sons, Rodney and his wife Kellye, Tyler; Gary and his wife Michele, Colleyville. One sister and her husband Jan and Dwight Elledge and one sister-in-law and her husband, Tommie and Bill Sinclair all of Mt. Pleasant. Five grandchildren, Parker Price, Longview; Blake Roberts, Austin; Lexye Price, Tyler; Justin and Jackson Price, Colleyville. Honorary Pallbearers: Morris Hallman, Dale Eppler, Harold Lee, James Milstead, Les Miller, Randy Marion, Charles Dupree, Bob Langley, Jackie Barrett, Neal Hinson, Dick Akin, Joe Sandlin and Charles Wright, Ken Dance and the Deacons of Green Acres Baptist Church. If desired, memorials may made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Larry Dean Price

December 3, 1934 - May 19, 2015