Benjamin Lowell Price, Jr

Benjamin Lowell Price, Jr. was born on May 6, 1942, in Charleston, WV to the late Benjamin Lowell Price Sr. and Hattie Manns. He departed this life on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Ben accepted Christ at a young age and grew up with a strong sense of duty and desire to serve his country. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio before attending Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) where he became a record setting trailblazer by being among the first African Americans to compete athletically for the school. He was inducted into the EKU Hall of Fame in 2013 as a member of the 1962 Mile Relay Team. After his time at EKU, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served as a career paratrooper in many storied units, including the 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 10th Special Force Group (Airborne). Over his distinguished career, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and earned numerous accolades, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart. He had many deployments during his service including three combat tours in Vietnam.

After his military career, Ben returned with his family to Kentucky where he embarked on a second professional career at Lexington Blue Grass Airport. At Blue Grass Airport he continued to be known for his hard work and professionalism and upon retirement he relocated to Berea. In Berea he was very involved in the church and community. After joining Farristown Baptist Church, he became an active member and served on numerous committees. He was a member of the men’s chorus, served as a church usher, and ultimately became a church trustee. Ben was an original member of the 99 ½ Male Chorus of Madison County and vicinity. He was also a member of the Mt. Pleasant District and New Liberty Baptist Sunday School Convention Inc., where he was a member of the Executive Board. Ben was involved in many civic activities, including the Faith Task Force of Madison County Inc., Madison County Black Veterans Group, and the American Legion.

Ben was a devoted husband of fifty-seven years to his beloved Sandra Fay (Ballard), and a loving father to Benjamin Lowell Price III and Mark Joseph Price. He cherished time with his family, sharing his love for photography and collecting unique items at flea markets. Known for his quiet demeanor, kindness, humility, and unwavering integrity, he inspired all who knew him.

Ben is survived by his spouse, Sandra Faye; children, Benjamin Lowell Price III (Silvia) and Mark Joseph Price (Alicia); two beloved grandchildren, Javier Joseph Price and Abigail Rose Price; cherished sister-in-law, Patricia Ballard; coveted brother-in-law, Charles Walker; special niece, Felecia J. Ballard; nephew, Charles Walker II; great-nephew, Julian Walker; and two special Aunts, Ms. Ethel Merriweather and Mrs. Josephine Dillingham.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a very dear sister-in-law, Carolyn Walker.

Visitation will be 5:00PM-8:00PM Friday February 21, 2025, at Farristown Baptist Church in Berea, KY. Funeral services will begin at 11: 00AM Saturday February 22, 2025, at Farristown Baptist Church with Rev. Ray Reed officiating. Burial will follow with full Military Honors at Madison County Memorial Gardens Richmond, KY.