Barry Dale Price, Jr.

Barry Dale Price, Jr., formerly of Matthews, North Carolina, joined our Heavenly Father on December 26, 2023. Known to the family as Dale, his unexpected death due to a cerebrovascular event left our hearts broken into a million pieces.

Dale was born on November 5, 1968, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Judy and Barry Price. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School where he played trumpet with the marching band. Dale started his life of service as a volunteer firefighter with the Matthews Volunteer Fire Department before becoming a police officer with the Matthews Police Department where he served for 18 years as a patrol officer, sergeant, investigator, and School Resource Officer.

Dale was a cancer survivor fighting a very rare form of cancer known as dermafibromasarcomaprotoberans (DFSP) which attacks the muscles of the body. Through treatments and numerous surgeries, he had been cancer-free for many years. Through all his cancer treatments he was surrounded by a loving community that provided support in many ways that he was forever grateful for.

Dale's love for the ocean has been a lifelong passion. Growing up he spent many summers with family at Holden Beach where he learned to crab, surf fish, and pier fish. Fishing is where Dale found peace and contentment. Six years ago, the family decided it was time for a new start and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina to fulfill Dale's desire to be close to the ocean. When he wasn’t working you could find Dale at Johnny Mercer’s pier or simply holding a fishing rod on the beach. When the catch was plentiful so were the fresh-cooked seafood meals.

Dale's true nature of service never ended. In 2021 Dale was awarded the Life Saving Award by the Wrightsville Beach Police Department. Due to his quick reaction, he was able to hold onto a woman who had lost her balance and was hanging onto the side of a five-story parking deck. Because of his efforts, she did not fall and was pulled to safety.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dale, but we take comfort in knowing that his legacy of service lives on through his selfless decision to donate his organs. While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate the fact that his donations will bring new life to others. Dale's kindness and generosity will continue to make a difference in the world, and we honor his memory by encouraging others to consider organ donation as well.

Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Collins Stanley, and his first-born son, Christian. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Christopher and Ashton; father, Barry Dale Price, Sr. and stepmother, Sarah Price; his stepfather, Ed Stanley; as well as his brothers, Eric Price (Colleen), Pete Acree (Keren); mother-in-law, Mary Ann Moore; father-in-law, Gary Moore (Grace); four brothers-in-law, Michael (Donna), Bill (Kathy); Mark (Heidi) and Brian (Kim); as well as twelve nieces and nephews and four great nieces and nephews.

A visitation with the family will be held at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227 on Sunday, January 21, 2024, beginning at 12:30 PM. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM to honor the life and legacy of Dale.

Dale’s family kindly requests donations be made to Honorbridge, the organization that guided the family through the organ donation process, 909 East Arlington Boulevard, Greenville, North Carolina 27858 or The Road Church, Post Office Box 690683, Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227. Please specify in memory of Barry Dale Price, Jr. These non-profit organizations are supported by his loved ones. By donating in Dale's memory, we can continue his legacy of giving back to the community.