William (Bill) Edward Price, 67, left this world to
celebrate with his Lord and Savior, January 18, 2016.
Bill was born to missionary parents, Pastor Oliver and
Betty Price, in Rio Verde, Brazil on July, 27, 1948. He
grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Farmers Branch, Texas
where he spent most of his later-childhood. He stayed a
proud Oklahoma Sooner his entire life. Bill graduated
from R.L. Turner High School in 1966.
It was during this time he met the love of his life
Janet (Brown) Price. Bill accomplished a lot in his
life, but if you asked him he would say finding and
marrying Janet was his finest achievement. He put his
trust in the Lord Jesus and His death on the cross to
save him and was called by God early on to spread His
word and graduated in 1970 from Dallas Bible College.
Bill continued his passion for preaching and became a
youth minister at Mesa Hills Bible Church in Colorado
Springs for two years.
He and Janet were then called to Odessa, Texas, where he
became the pastor at Odessa Bible Church for 10 years.
Bill became overpoweringly inspired by Francis A.
Schaeffer's book, How Should We Then Live?, and began
his journey into the fight for the unborn. He began
organizing efforts in Odessa to bring attention to the
issue. This wasn't a career choice--it was his life--his
calling.
Bill's weapon of choice for this fight for life was his
words – a talent he proudly used to influence his
opposition. And he used his voice as a tool the way an
artist uses a paint brush or a photographer uses a
camera. When Bill spoke people listened and not because
he was aggressive or loud but because he was gentle,
loving, compassionate and tactful. A true wordsmith lead
by Jesus Christ, his number one motivation. Bill wanted
to make sure he created a voice for the ones who didn't
have one.
Bill and his family moved back to the Dallas area
(Carrollton) in 1981 and became the president of the
pro-life lobby group – Texans United for Life for 17
years. He was a master of strategy and a genius in
debate which made him a force to be reckoned with in
Texas politics. He was man who never shied away from an
interview or bent under pressure. Bill spoke with such
command and diplomacy that even if he was speaking to a
crowd of 500 hundred, he made people feel as if they
were chatting with a friend. And all seriousness aside,
Bill never skipped an opportunity to slip in a joke or
two – which made him approachable. Bill never turned
anyone down for a conversation or a hand in need.
During this time, he helped lobby and pass historic
legislation for the pro-life movement. The impact he
made left permanent impressions – a legacy – within the
pro-life community.
But nothing was more important than his family. Bill
unconditionally loved each one of his five children. His
most important triumph was laying down a solid
foundation of commitment, love, respect, morals and
humility for his family.
In 2000 Bill made a return to the pastorate with his
father at the family church in Farmers Branch. He also
joined him with Bible Prayer Fellowship to continue as a
web pastor for thousands around the world.
Bill is survived by his parents, Oliver and Betty Price,
wife Janet, children: Geoffrey, Brian, Jeremy, Andrew
and Maddox (Amy). He is also survived by sisters, Ruth
Smith, Patty Smith, brother, Paul Price and by his eight
grandchildren: Colton Price (20), Mariah Payne (17),
Valarie Price (13), Gavin Smith (12), Isabel Price (9),
Alex Price (8), William Price (8) and Betty Price (2).
And is survived by a devoted army of cousins, nieces,
nephews, friends, and his godsend, Sarah.
He was a proud father, grandfather, dedicated husband,
brother, son, uncle, faithful pastor, and big ol'
goofball to those who knew him best.
