Larry "Rooster" Wayne Price

Larry W. Price, 79, of Reidsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Annie Penn Hospital.

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia as the youngest of five children, he grew up living in various places through his father’s Army career. Ultimately settling in Fayetteville, he played sports and especially loved baseball. He told the story of how he got his nickname when, during a baseball game, a Colonel remarked on his determination and passion comparing him to a bantam rooster. He was known as Rooster forever after that.

He was a proud graduate of East Carolina University, playing on the baseball team and earning both his undergraduate and master’s degrees there. Although a loyal Pirate to the end, he also followed other sports teams, most notably UNC Chapel Hill and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During his career as a teacher and coach in Fayetteville, he was a mentor to many student athletes, always trying to support and push them to be their best. He treasured whenever someone contacted him later to tell of an accomplishment or simply to thank him for the impact he had on their life. His influence went far and wide and it was not unusual to be traveling or attending a sports event somewhere with him and hear “hey Coach Price!”

He loved spending time at the beach and lived in the Topsail area after retirement for several years. He enjoyed time with friends he made there and spent hours fishing and soaking up the sun. Later he moved to Reidsville to live near Tommy and Meryl Murphy and their family, his “second family”. He was an active member of the local community including the Reidsville YMCA and Reidsville Elks Lodge.

He loved his family and is remembered as having a great sense of humor, often playing pranks on younger relatives. He also passed on his love of sports to the next generation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George C. Price, Sr. and Virginia Bolick Price; brothers, John, George and Gary Price; sister, Audrey Demechko; nephews, John David Price and Bobby Demechko. He is survived by nieces and nephews.

Per his request there will be no formal funeral service. A memorial celebration will be planned at a later date.