Capt. George F. Price, Jr.

Captain George Foster Price, Jr., “Popie” passed away at his home in Mandeville Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Beloved husband of Solveig Nedland Pedersen “Nana”. Son of the late George Foster Price, Sr. of Palestine, Texas. and Gretchen Marie Meyer of New Orleans. He was proceeded in death by his sister Helen Marie Huff and younger brother William “Billy” Dougal Price. Survived by seven children, Carolyn Price Jennings of Mandeville, George Foster III (Jackie) of Kenner, Robert “Wayne” (Debi) of Brenham, Tx., Kenneth “Michael” (Karan) of Metairie, John “Richard” of New Orleans, James “Scott” (Claudia) of Mandeville, and Jan Price Wahlen (Eric) of Mandeville, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a New Orleans native, graduated from Fortier High School in 1942. As a child he loved the sport of football and fondly recalled the “Robert Street Tigers”, the name given to his childhood football friends and family. At Fortier, he lettered in football and excelled at the sport, being known by the press and team members as “The Tiny Tarpon Torpedo”. Many newspaper articles were written, highlighting his success and accomplishments on the field.

Upon graduation, because of WWII, he joined the Merchant Marines to help in the war effort. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy which was newly established in 1943. His initial naval armory and safety training was at Pass Christian, MS., followed by completion of his Maritime studies at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. While at the Academy he continued to play the sport, he loved (football) and did very well at it. As a cadet midshipman, he was commissioned in the US Navy during the war and sailed on his first vessel at the age of 19, the S.S. Bienville. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation and a new 3rd Officers License, in February of 1945, he continued to sail in the Merchant Marine, taking employment with Lykes Brothers Steamship Company.

In 1949, he married the love of his life Solveig Nedland Pedersen. Growing up as children in the same neighborhood of New Orleans, she was the sister of one of his best childhood friends, Haral Pedersen.

Even while married, he excelled in his career climbing the ladder of success, and in 1952 at the age of 27 commanded his first vessel as Master, the Steamship Dick Lykes. A total of 20 years was spent sailing the seven seas before he “came ashore” permanently. During his 20-year sailing career, he came ashore briefly to try his hand as a “Port Captain” to spend more time with his growing family, but shortly after returned to the sea. In 1965, once again he “came ashore” at the request of the Company (Lykes) to become the Assistant Manager of the Marine Division. Through the years he was promoted to Manager and then to Vice President of Marine Operations. In 1980 he was honored with a “Professional Achievement Award” by the Alumni of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, commemorating his career in the Merchant Marine. In 1986 after completing a 41-year maritime career, he retired from Lykes.

Popie was an avid family man and loving father and thrived on family gatherings. For many years, the Price house was the place to go for Christmas and New Years Celebrations. Much singing and laughter brought family and friends together during these times where many fond memories were created.

Popie had few hobbies outside of family, football, and sea/ships. His love of family was evident in barbeques, gatherings, and parties. He loved talking of times past, family outings, vacations, and football. With his love for football, often he would entertain us with his little jingles, all to the laughter of family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 71 years, his children, family, and many friends.

Due to the COVID 19 crisis, a private service will take place on Monday August 17, 2020 at Leitz-Eagan Metairie, LA., with a private interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences on line at (www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com).