ROCKY MOUNT – Pastor Dennis “Joe” Price, age 68, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on April 24, 1955, he was the son of the late Tom Lewy Price and Jane Rhodes Price.
Pastor Joe's divine calling at the tender age of 15 was truly a remarkable gift bestowed upon him by our Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout his ministry, spanning over 50 years, Pastor Joe's unwavering dedication and faithfulness touched the lives of so many. The Lord guided Pastor Joe's path, leading him to serve in various congregations such as Guess Road Baptist in Durham, Memorial Baptist Church, Oakdale Baptist Church, and presently as the beloved Pastor of Avalon Baptist Church. Pastor Joe's love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and he cherished the bond they shared. Furthermore, Pastor Joe’s commitment to his church family knew no bounds. He selflessly served and adored each member, always extending a helping hand and never turning anyone down. His genuine love and care for others reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ, making him a true shepherd of his flock. Not only did Pastor Joe exemplify devotion within his spiritual realm, but he also possessed a deep love for his country. His patriotism shined through, and he proudly supported his country. When it came to his favorite sports team, the NC State Wolfpack, there was no doubt that Pastor Joe bled red. His unwavering support and enthusiasm for the team truly showed his dedication and passion. Pastor Joe’s calling, his love for the Lord, his commitment to his family and church family, and his unwavering patriotism made him an exceptional servant of God.
Pastor Joe is survived by his brothers, Gene “Lewy” Price and Rodney “Cotton” Price and wife, Sandy, all of Rocky Mount; his uncle, Mike Rhodes and wife, Yvonne; his aunts, Ann Rhodes and Gwen Harvey; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Pastor Joe’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Lee Price officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will be available to receive friends and relatives immediately following the committal service.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pastor Joe’s home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Pastor Joe’s memory to the church he currently served, Avalon Baptist Church, PO Box 910, Battleboro, NC 27809.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
I knew Joe from when I was a child at Oakdale Baptist Church. I remember going to Fort Caswell camp several summers and he wearing his “cluck cluck” shoes. He preached at both of my parents’ funerals. He was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed.
So very sorry . Such a sweet Godly man !
Truly a man of God!
Prayers of peace and comfort to all.
Joe will surely be missed. Grew up beside him. He was always a happy person. Proud to be his kin and friend.
so thankful for his Faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ and his heart for winning souls to the Lord, he led my dad to the Lord a few years ago at 88 yrs old, Thank You Pastor Joe
Lee Rainey
Thinking of all!
Such a great man. He was a friend to all. He will definitely be missed by all that knew him. RIP my friend
We had so many wonderful memories at Oakdale, Ft. Cashwell, The Pond, basketball. Joe, you always made sure everyone was taken care of!! You were certainly a bright spot in mine & Stevie’s life. I’m so very thankful God blessed me with your company. I know you are happy today as you are “Forever Home!”
Thanks for the memories Joe! My Love Always.❤️
Arnette Jones
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Prayers for the family and in memory of a wonderful man of God!
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Thank you Pastor Joe, You made a difference. You will be missed. Prayers of comfort to us all who will miss your earthly presence.
Joe Price is the most creative, dedicated, and loving example of what a true Christian should be I’ve ever known. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. I don’t know how many lives were changed because of him, but I know that my life was changed for eternity because of his friendship and passion for sharing Christ. Go rest high Joe, you will never be forgotten. If you have a chance, “Call the Man.”
Bill
❤️
Gwen, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. May God comfort you and give you strength and peace when you need them most. Take care and God bless.
Cheryl Chadwick Landin
R. I. P. Joe. He was a very good man. And a. Godly man. My mom and aunt. Worked with him at. Oak. Dale. Daycare. And they thought the world of him. And he also. Preached my moms funeral. You will be missed. Joe.
God definitely picked a flower. Joe was a true servant and a wonderful pastor that will be remembered for the life he lived. Joe loved everybody and always spoke kind words. Thank you, Joe for being my friend and pastor. When I think of Joe I hear God say ” well done good and faithful servant”.
Shawn Sorie Bledsoe
My heart feels so heavy in the loss of Joe. I knew him from school and Oakdale Church. The attached photo was taken at one of the church trips to Fort Cashwell on September 11, 1970. Gary Winstead is playing the guitar & Joe is hamming it up. I also remember Joe beating out the tune to “Wipeout” on the back door of the church. My sincere condolences to the family on their loss. Joe touched a lot of lives & will be remembered for all of his kindness. Kim (Denson) Jones
Condolences to the Price family.
Class of 1974
I loved growing up beside my cousin Joe. We had lots of fun being around our cousins, siblings, and friends! The first year Oakdale opened the childcare ministry, Joe and I helped that summer with activities. We also had beach trips and visits to the Pottery with family. We never had a dull moment with Joe around. Joe was loved by all and will be missed-until we meet again.
I love and miss my Uncle Joe.
So sorry to hear about Joe, went to Sunday School with Joe, Rodney and Lewy at Oakdale, his mother Jane always looked after us all during Vacation Bible School, he was truly a good soul as far back as I can remember. I know it is a terrible loss for his family and church…
My sincere condolences to the family. After the close of Battleboro Baptist Church my mom and dad began to attend Avalon Baptist Church and pastor Joe warmly welcomed them into the church. After my dad died, Pastor Joe kept regular checks on my mom. He was such a compassionate and Godly man. May God comfort his family with peace and reassurance that this man was welcomed into heaven with the Lord saying, “Well done my faithful son!”
Joan Inscoe, daughter of Harold and Ann Bryant
So many memories of trips with Joe and family members to Atlantic Beach, NC mountains, Williamsburg and New York. According to Joe, all gift shops in Williamsburg were just “duplicates-duplicates”. Joe certainly was an example of Christian life, will be missed by many.
Ann Rhodes
Lewy, Cotton and Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss!! Praying for you all and sending love!
Ginger Batts Bruce
I was at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in 1986 through ’89 in Durham. Joe became my good friend for those few years as we were both single and worked with Awana. Never forget his sermon he preached on singles day in April 1987! I have used his funny little one liner many times since then. Me and a young 14-year-old kid and his father came there from Bloomington Illinois and needed a church family and God directed us to Ridgecrest and Joe price was a big part of that picture. I have never forgot those people especially Joe since I left 35 years ago and have wanted to return and visit many times but never got the chance. I spent several nights at his apartment talking about issues and staying up really late and having someone to talk to is very hard these days especially in the shallow Christianity of America but Joe is always willing to talk and I will forever be grateful to him and have never forgotten him or those many people. I have been back in Illinois all this time and have just about ready to lose another close friend of 20 years who came here from Philadelphia and reminded me so much of Joe his name is Charlie Smith and this is a tribute to those two dear men who meant so much to me and one day soon we will all be glorifying God together with all the saints and Angels forever and ever and the short little life will be just a tiny little memory and the joy and that reunion makes me so I’m sick I can barely stand it but I’m looking forward to that great Resurrection morning where we will forever be with the Lord to God be the glory forever amen!