E. Martin Price

E. Martin Price, 90, of Pinckard, Al., passed away Sunday, April 28. 2013.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Pinckard United Methodist Church with the Rev. Delbert Freeman and Anthony Tudor officiating. Burial will be in the Pinckard Memorial Cemetery with Robert Byrd directing. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Tuesday at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home, 1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL. Martin’s seven grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Mr. Price was born February 17, 1923, in Ozark, AL. He was a son of the late William Porter and Susie Martin Price. He was a graduate of Carroll High School where he excelled in football. While sitting in Toomer’s Corner in December of his freshman year at Auburn University, he learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He immediately left college to enter the Army and serve his country. Having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout under the leadership of Harry Mixon, Martin attributed his scouting experiences, especially the bus trip out west, as key contributors to his preparation for WWII. Martin served in Company M-222nd Regent of the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division. He served in France and the forests of Germany and was privileged to be part of the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. His love for football was extended as he played for the Army. Upon his return to AL he married the love of his life, Kennette Dowling. They made their home in Pinckard where Martin owned Price Mercantile and was a partner in the local Ford dealership. He was the developer and President of Martindale Shopping Center and was General Manager of Price Farms. Martin was blessed to grow up and live his entire life in Dale County, where his great-great grandfather, Elisha Matthews, settled after moving from South Carolina and gave the land for Claybank Memorial Cemetery.  His childhood friends remained his loyal friends for a lifetime. His love for the communities of Ozark and Pinckard is reflected in his many years of volunteer service: Director on Vivian B. Adams School Board 40 yrs.; original director and 50 yrs. as a Director for Commercial Bank; Ozark Rotary Club 30yrs. and recipient of the Paul Harris Award; President of Claybank Memorial Cemetery Asso. 50yrs; President of Pinckard Memorial Cemetery 15yrs.; and was a member of the American United States Army 25yrs. As a longtime member of Pinckard United Methodist Church, Martin served as Chairman of Trustees, SS Superintendent, SS teacher, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and service on the finance committee for many years. Martin was predeceased by his wife, Kennette Dowling, his brother and sister-in-law, Porter and Ann Price, brother-in-law, William Mullins, and great-granddaughter, Claire Dowling Howell.

Survivors include his children, Edward Martin Jr. Beth, Kay Price Coker Sam, John Raleigh Sondra, Michael Dowling Beth; 10 grandchildren: Martin Stephanie, Wheeler Melissa, Charles Price Fiancée Maryann; Kate Howell Michael, Hollis Harriet and Will Jenny Coker; Gunter Kari Beth and Raleigh Christen Price; Emily Kathryn and Melanie Price. He has 12 great-grandchildren: Emarie, Whit, Libby, Amelia, Natalie, Reaves, Briggs, Price, Ellie Ann, Adeline, Maralee, and John Turner. Siblings include sister, Dorothy Mullins, brothers Glenn Shirley and John Sarah Margaret and a host of nieces and nephews.

We will miss his stories, his jokes, his wisdom and generosity, and his love for God, family, country, and friends.  Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Daddy was indeed a good man!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vivian B. Adams School, 2047 Stuart Tarter Road, Ozark, Al. 36360; Claybank Memorial Cemetery Asso. PO Box 946, Ozark 36361, or Pinckard Memorial Cemetery P.O. Box 353, Pinckard  Al 36371.