January 27, 1929 – November 15, 2017
Community activist and legendary champion for youth Willie Price passed peacefully from this earth on Nov. 15, 2017 due to complications from dementia.
Willie was born Jan. 27, 1929 in Mohrland to David and Ethel Hall Price. After losing his father at the age of 4, Willie relocated with his mother and five siblings to Salt Lake City’s west side, where he resided for most of his life. He attended West High School, became a professional boxer at the age of 17 and then engaged in a 38-year career with the federal government as an EEO officer at Hill Air Force Base and with the BLM.
Willie devoted much of his 88 years in service to his family, his church, his career and to the community at large, especially the underserved and underrepresented youth of his beloved west side. Although he was small in stature, Willie’s accomplishments were larger than life. He was instrumental in initiating the Central City Community Action Program, Neighborhood Housing Program, the Parish Athletic Recreation Association, and numerous other athletic and community-based outreach programs.
Among his many acknowledgements, Willie was awarded the NCCJ Man of the Year award by Governor Calvin L. Rampton, received the NAACP award for Civil and Human Rights, and was appointed to serve on the Black Advisory Council by Governor Jon M. Huntsman.
Willie married his high school sweetheart, Frankie Rawlins, April 8, 1948. Together, they raised nine children and welcomed a legacy of offspring in their 69 years of marriage. The Price home was a gathering place for both family and friends, and Willie never wavered in lending a hand to anyone in need. He was a consummate supporter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on at sporting events or performances.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents; sister Mildred; brothers Lamoine, Orville and David; sons Frank and Victor; and grandsons Jeremy and Jason. He will be missed by his sister Laverne; wife Frankie; sons Bill (Joann), Kevin (Cory), Joey (Kathy); daughters Robin (Dennis), Valerie (Michael), Elizabeth and Barbara Ann; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 21 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center, 855 W California Ave, SLC, UT 84104.
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