- Visitation
Saturday, June 10, 2023
10:00 to 11:00 am
Jesus the Living Word Church
Lebanon, IL
- Service
Saturday, June 10, 2023
11:00 am
Jesus the Living Word Church
Lebanon, IL
- Full Obituary
Lafarrell Price, affectionately known as Bay, was born on July 15, 1936, in Golden Gardens, Illinois, to Roger William Price and Jessie Beatrice Price. On June 2, 2023, he peacefully transitioned from this life.
In his early years, Bay had to mature quickly and leave school at a young age to support his family, which was a common practice at that time. His biggest regret was that he didn't get a chance to finish high school and attend college like he always wanted. Bay possessed exceptional skills in mathematics, basketball, and baseball; catching the attention of school coaches who pleaded with his parents to allow him to stay in school due to his extraordinary talent. He became a vital pillar for his family, even contributing to the education expenses of his younger siblings. Bay's commitment to his family and community remained unwavering throughout his life.
In 1959, Bay married Maxine (nee Hall), and they were blessed with eight children, five of whom were his biological children.
1959 also marked Bay's enlistment into the Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, serving in the 379th Transportation Brigade. Whether in his professional duties or extracurricular activities, Bay took immense pride in everything he did. He possessed a relentless drive to master any skill he pursued. Bay's exceptional talent in pitching horseshoes earned him the title of a two-time Illinois State Horseshoe Champion in Class B, a distinction that landed him on ESPN. Baseball, pool, cards, hunting, and fishing were among his many passions which he shared with his sons and lifelong friends. Bay particularly enjoyed rabbit and raccoon hunting; anybody interested in wild-game would come near and far to purchase some from Bay! He also took classes and developed skills in automobile engine repair, becoming proficient in fixing cars, lawnmowers, building and selling barbecue smokers. Bay was a true engineer, a jack of all trades, and a diligent worker. He held various occupations such as a mechanic, worked at Eastside Casting, practiced carpentry, and ultimately excelled as a Master Cement Mason and Foreman at Local 670 and Cox and Sons Construction for an impressive 35 years until his retirement. His dedication as a provider established a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren.
With his own funds, alongside his three sons and brother-in-law Robert Crump, Bay fulfilled his wife's dream by constructing "Jesus The Living Word Church." Within these sacred walls, he found solace, accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and devoted himself as a Deacon from 2000 until his passing. His yearly church fall festival hayrides for his family and the children of the church community will forever be a cherished, enduring memory of his giving spirit.
Bay remained an integral figure in his family and community until his passing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Jessie Price, and five sisters: Betty Price, Olivia Edwards, Bernice Burk, Verda Crump, and Joyce Baskerville. Three brothers: Adolph Price, Roger "Sunny" Price, and Donald Price, as well as his son-in-law Milton Wiley, daughter-in-law Cynthia Price, and his son Emric Calvin.
Bay leaves behind to cherish his memories, his beloved wife, Maxine Price, and his children Angela, Barbara, Denice (LaVelle), Lafarrell (Michele), Demetrius (Dawn), Roger, and Twila (Aaron). He also leaves behind a host of cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephew Wendell Johnson, and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.
Visitation: Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Jesus the Living Word Church, Lebanon, IL
Funeral Service: Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 11:00 am, Jesus the Living Word Church, Lebanon, IL
Repass: Immediately following funeral services at St. Joseph Church Hall, Lebanon, IL
Interment: Monday, June 12, 2023, at 10:00 am, College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
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