Gary Michael Price died late Tuesday night, September 12, 2023 at the age of 72, in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. After suffering a severe heart attack on Sunday, he held on long enough for all his kids to arrive before quietly and peacefully passing away. He was born to Pearl Rufus Price and Juliet Virginia (Ogden) Price on May 11, 1951 in Elkins, WV who both preceded him in death. On June 13, 1998, he married the love of his life Sharon, who survives. Though Gary never fathered any children of his own, he had an incredible capacity and gift for being a dad to anybody who needed one. For some it was just for a moment – offering advice or fixing something or giving a hug. For the really lucky ones, it was for a lifetime – taking us in, calling us his own, making us a family.

Those lucky ones are: Brian (Jodi) Williams, Kelly (Rick Birt) Williams, Miccah Lawson, Daniel (Mandy) Gutman along with grandkids: Jessica (Andrew Hursh); Kellen Grant; Samuel and Luke Gutman; four great-grandkids and many others who lovingly referred to him as Papaw Gary. Also surviving are eight brothers and sisters: Mary (Jim) McGee, Judd (Wanda) Price, Patty (Tom) Market, Marsha Cromes, Jake (Linda Gillespie) Price, Teresa (Dave) Gregory, Angel (Dale) Riffell, Julie (Allen) Adkins. He was preceded in death by his sisters Melody Gutman and Sarah Howell, brother Walter Price, and great-grandson Lane Hursh.

Gary was a graduate of Houston High School in Houston, Ohio, class of 1970. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam Conflict from 1970 to 1974 attaining the rank of sergeant with deployment to Korea. He was awarded the Air Force Expeditionary Medal and the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award. He retired from Honda of America after 22 years 2011. Before that he worked for Hobart Brothers Company in Troy, Ohio.

He loved his giant family, golfing, going to the beach, drinking beer, and handyman projects. He could fix just about anything for anyone and he so often did. He was generous and warm and thoughtful and fun. He was the life of every party and a light of joy for everyone who knew him. He loved us all so well that the pain we feel now is just the proof of that love, aching to be returned with nowhere to go…at least for now. Someday we will all be together again, at home in the Love that has carried us through.

Gary will be honored both in South Carolina and Ohio. On Saturday, September 16, from 4-7 pm, there will be an Open House Visitation at the Woodlake Village Community Clubhouse (155 Woodlake Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC) with light refreshments throughout and a toast to Gary at 6 pm. On Sunday, October 15 at 4:30 pm, there will be a graveside service at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney, OH followed by a dinner with open visitation at the American Legion (1265 4th Ave, Sidney, OH) from 5-8 pm, with a final toast to Gary at 7 pm.

Please, in lieu of flowers or gifts, consider making a donation toward the Wounded Warrior Project or Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful Fund by emailing KMBB@VisitMyrtleBeach.com