Early Life & Upbringing
Sammy Jay Price, oldest son of Jimmie Price and Alice Stancil Price, was born September 28, 1946, in Wilson, North Carolina. Raised in the Kenly area, he grew up alongside his family learning the value of hard work and integrity. From his childhood onward, his life was anchored by his faith and his deep connection to Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a lifelong member.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Doug Price.
Military Service
After graduating from high school in 1964, Sammy answered the call to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Army. He spent two years stationed in Germany, rising to the rank of Sergeant. His military experience reinforced his disciplined work ethic, though he always returned home with the same gentle spirit and quick wit he was known for before deployment.
Marriage and Family Life
Sammy shared 56 devotion-filled years of marriage with his wife, Winnie Jeffreys Price. Together, they raised two children, Amy and Brent, in Kenly. Known affectionately as "Pa" to his family, Sammy was the undisputed heart of every family gathering. He possessed a rare, gentle nature that made everyone feel genuinely seen, and his grandchildren always maintained that he "hung the moon."
A Career in Telecommunications
Following his military discharge, Sammy began a long career in public utilities, working for over thirty years as a technician for Carolina Telephone. Through his daily work keeping his neighbors connected, he continuously impacted and served his local community. His example of dedicated telecommunications service clearly left an impression on his household, as his son Brent would later follow in his footsteps with a matching 30-year telecom career.
Passing & Legacy
Sammy Jay Price went to be with the Lord on November 6, 2025, at the age of 79. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet devotion, humor, and love. He is survived by his beloved wife Winnie; his daughter Amy Beasley and her husband Stacy; his son Brent and his wife Elizabeth Lamm Price; and his four cherished grandchildren: Savannah Beasley, Emily Beasley Cox, and husband Daniel, Peyton Price, and Luke Price.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil