Robert "Bob" Forrest Price, age 92, of Shelby North Carolina, passed away on March 7th at Cleveland Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. Born December 1st, 1923, he was the oldest of four sons born to the late Noah Francis Price and Alice Morrison McFarland Price of the Duncan Creek Community of Rutherford County. Robert grew up on his family dairy farm, and was active in Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church. He was a graduate of the Hollis High School in Rutherford County, where he developed an early interest in woodworking, drafting and carpentry. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Irene Swofford of Rutherford County on January 14th, 1944.
Robert enlisted in the Army Air Corps to serve his country during the Second World War. Robert was assigned to B-29 bomber schools in radio, electronics, and radar systems at Boca Raton Army Airfield in Florida, Truax Army Airfield in Wisconsin, and Chanute Field in Illinois. Robert excelled in these technical fields and became an instructor at these schools, training B-29 crewmen who went on to help end the war in the Pacific. Ruby followed Robert on his wartime assignments and worked for the U.S Government on the airbases.
Following his honorable discharge from Military service, Robert joined Shelby Supply Company. Robert excelled in the field of industrial supplies and loved the work of assisting customers with mechanical and electrical needs in industry. He rose to the position of Vice President and General Manager, later also managing a supply business for the owners in Huntington, West Virginia. In 1963 Robert co-founded Dixie Industrial Supply in Shelby with his late brother Roy Price, and with the capable assistance of his wife Ruby. Dixie Industrial Supply became an important supplier to industry in the Carolinas, including being named Southern Industrial Distributor of the year. Robert had an exceptional work ethic, and devoted himself to building a talented team, and serving the needs of industrial plants in the Carolinas. He credited the talented and loyal associates of Dixie Industrial Supply with the success the company achieved. Robert served on many business oriented boards and committees over the years, which were associated with Dixie Industrial Supply. Robert enjoyed helping others achieve success, and mentored many people in their career advancements. He enjoyed travel and working on his farm in Rutherford County, but he especially enjoyed his work with the many fine associates of Dixie Industrial Supply Company, and the many customers they served together. Robert was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church for over 57 years, serving on several committees to assist the growth of the church and the construction of the new Aldersgate sanctuary. Robert was predeceased in death by his parents, an infant daughter, and Brothers Wilbur Spurgon Price and Roy Lee Price and wife Lorene Price.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruby Swofford Price of Shelby, a son Michael Robert Price and daughter in law Jackie Helms Price, a brother and sister in law Richard Gordon Price and Mary Sue Price, sisters in law Gail Price and Doris Scronce, nephews Andy Price and Bobby Price, nieces Anne Gurley, Eva Sigmon, and Lynn Wright, and numerous great nephews and nieces.
A memorial service is planned at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Shelby, on Sunday, March 7th at 2 p.m. with visitation immediately following in the Epworth Building
. In memory of Robert and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1207 West Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152.
Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Robert Price
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com |
