Billy Price

Memorial services for Billy Bob Price, longtime area businessman will be 10:30 am, Thursday, March 28, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church, Levelland with Rev. Jon Sharpe, pastor, officiating. Cremation is under direction of George Price Funeral Home. Billy passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2013 here in Levelland.

Billy was born on April 12, 1926 in Richardson, Texas to Clifton Edward and Irene (Bell) Price. He served in the US Navy onboard the aircraft carrier Natoma Bay during World War II and earned 13 battle stars as well as ribbons for Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation and American Theatre of War. After his discharge from the service, Billy met and married Nancy Rutherford in 1953.

He opened the Western Auto Store in Levelland in 1959 and it has continuously operated changing to Ace Hardware in the 1990’s. He opened Billy Price’s Furniture Store when he moved the hardware store to its present location on Clubview Drive in 1988 thus maintaining the business presence on the courthouse square. He and Nancy founded the Levelland Boys Club and were responsible for a number of the young men of Levelland entering Golden Gloves Boxing. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a member and past Commander of the American Legion post in Levelland.

In 2010, Billy was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Levelland Chamber of Commerce for his contribution to the promotion and growth of Levelland. Billy’s car had a bumper sticker that said “I am from Levelland, Texas and going back. “

Survivors include his son: Dusty Price and his wife, Kim and his granddaughter, Devin Price all of Levelland: two sisters in law Franchelle Price of Brownfield and Clarice Price of Littlefield. He was preceded in death by twin sons Robert Greg and William Craig Price in 1954, a son Rusty Price in 1974 and his wife, Nancy in 1994.

The family suggests memorials to the Rusty Price Memorial Scholarship at South Plains College, 1401 College Avenue, Levelland, Texas 79336.

To join the family in celebrating Billy’s life, please go to www.georgepricefunerals.com