Ricky Lynn Price

Ricky Lynn Price, 76 of Bunnlevel (Anderson Creek) died Wednesday, September  25, 2024 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. 

Ricky was born June 2, 1948 to the late Joe Nell and Janie Florence West Price in Harnett County.  Ricky was preceded in death by a close niece, Sherry Lynn Price (1989) and second wife Janet Benson Price (2022).  Ricky is survived by one brother Duane Price and wife (Peggy), his sons, Rodney Price, Adam Price, and their mother, Mary Majors; Grandson Steven Price and wife (Hannah); Granddaughter Vaughn Moore and husband (Tommy). Great grandchildren Hudson Price, Hampton Price, Luna Moore, Jaycie Moore.  Janet’s son, Robbie Back and wife (Tina) and grandchildren, Pheobe Barbour, Breanna Vanravestein, Jordyn Back. Niece Jamie Price Bain (Allan), Great Niece Amy Griffin (Kevin), Great Nephew Michael Fish, Great-Great Nieces Daisy and Magnolia Griffin, extended family relatives, friends, and his beloved shih tzu Molly who was his passion. 

Ricky served in the Army Reserves and National Guard as a paratrooper in the late 60’s and 70’s and was immediately selected as leader of his squad. If anything needed “fixing” Ricky could make it happen and if another soldier needed a little reassurance or a push to jump from the plane, he would help them. Even as a young child Ricky loved fast cars, tools, girls and entertaining himself by taking things apart just to see how they were made. Ricky kept that curiosity and craftsmanship throughout his life. Ricky and his brother Duane started at about 11 years old in the plumbing construction field working in summers and weekends plumbing Holiday Inn Asheboro, and motels across the state, Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune with their father who was superintendent for JJ Barnes.

Ricky worked with Thomas Brother Construction working with Pat Beasley, his beloved cousin. They both enjoyed cool cars driving back and forth across the Cape Fear River bridge in Lillington.  He successfully completed an apprentice program as a pipefitter and worked in various locations, including work with Honeywell, Black and Decker, and several out of state Union Jobs before starting a career with Kelly-Springfield (now GoodYear), Fayetteville, NC from where he retired after 32 years. Ricky was a long time business owner doing residential and commercial security systems as well as holding the security contract for Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Ricky was a legendary street racer in the 60s and 70s as well as racing on the local tracks winning many races. Ricky had a real talent for making things go fast. He and Rodney won local and state championships as well as National events totaling well over 400 feature races together. Ricky was a gifted mechanic and really loved his racing time with life-long friend Ellis Ward where many races were won including a World Championship. Ricky was an accomplished engine builder across many forms of racing. In recent years, before health issues, Ricky was passionate about working (or hanging out) with Rodney and Steven at their company Dragwire, as well as so many others where they were involved in many things including restoring classic cars and building racing vehicles from the ground up. Ricky could build most anything. Ricky also enjoyed years of shag dancing, winning competitions, and was inducted into the shag dancing hall of fame. Ricky and Janet enjoyed their dancing years and made many friends along the way. He loved being ‘Papa” watching Janet and grandchildren making life sweeter. Ricky had a shared passion for music and he spent many years as a DJ playing for weddings and events, and up until his last hospitalization he spent hours cataloging music and sharing/teaching others about DJ work. He amassed one of the largest collections of music anywhere. As a Freemason active in the 70’s, Ricky believed in reverence for God, integrity, devotion to country, justice, tolerance, and service to humanity. When his sons were children Ricky attended Layton Chapel Church and Flat Branch Presbyterian Church. He recently told his family he had prayed, forgave and asked for forgiveness, and was ready to go and meet the Lord.  He also hoped he would have all the Wayne’s chocolate he desired and no diabetes!  

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 1st from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home, 1310 Main Street, Lillington, NC.  The Funeral service, a celebration of life, will be held Wednesday October 2nd at 3:00 PM at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Robert Whitehouse officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Summerville Presbyterian Church  2065 Old US Hwy 421, Lillington, NC 27546 and reception for all to follow in the Summerville Fellowship Hall.

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