Author Topic: Semper Fi, Marine (Read 583 times)

texace · « **on:** August 20, 2006, 07:33:46 AM »

My grandfather, Lt. Col. Elbert "Al" Price, USMC (Ret.) passed away today, August 20th at 4:30 AM. He had been battling pancreatic and liver cancer for the last eight months. We were unsure about when he was going to go, but we're all thankful that he went quietly and without pain. He was 83.

He was a member of VMF-323 in WWII and Korea, flying the F4U Corsair. He was also a receipiant of the Distiguished Flying Cross and was awarded the Air Medal four times. He remained in the Marine Corps until 1968, his final assignment being the commander of a Marine helicopter squadron whose designation escapes me at the moment. He was even the personal pilot of Admeral Ball for a breif period. After he retired, he worked for Vought for a few years and was a member of the Confederate Air Force, having the distinction of flying their F4U to and from air shows. Though he never got a chance to fly the aircraft in demonstration, several pictures are out there of him flying this beautiful bird. (F4U-4, Navy markings, number 13 with the checkerboard cowl.)

He was a wonderful man, full of cheer and pep until being diagnosed with the cancer. He will be missed dearly by those that loved him.

I appreciate the well-wishes that everyone gave me when I announced his diagnosis a few months ago. My family and I extend our thanks to everyone in the community. He will be missed. Take the F4U up one time in AH and remember him. I wish I could still do that. Clear skies and tailwinds, sir.

Semper Fi, Marine.

Nilsen · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2006, 07:40:05 AM »

Sorry for your loss.

My condolances to you and your family.

Shifty · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2006, 08:15:17 AM »

Sorry for you loss Texace.

Semper Fi and Thank You to your Grandfather.

Grayeagle · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2006, 12:26:26 PM »

My condolences to those who loved him and will miss him.

Thanks for lettin us know.

-GE (sad to see the 'greatest generation' passing

Maverick · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2006, 12:32:34 PM »

LTC Price. RIP Fair skies and tailwinds forever.

Texace, sorry for your loss, you had a great man for a grandfather. I envy you your memories of him.

nirvana · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2006, 02:30:34 PM »

~~Condolences to you and your family Tex.~~

DadRabit · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2006, 02:52:18 PM »

Sorry for your loss sir.

S! to you, your family and to your Grandad.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2006, 03:50:45 PM »

Texace
Sorry for you loss, your grandad sounded like a great man, your lucky to have known him.

RedTop · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2006, 05:00:38 PM »

~~Tex and Grandpa.~~

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2006, 06:04:48 PM »

Condolences tex. I lost my grandfather in 96, 10 years now, and it still is nearly as painful today. You are in our prayers, and I'll pass it along to some other Marines.

Gunthr · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2006, 06:13:49 PM »

What a great life he led. He rose higher than many. ~~to him and best to you and yours...~~

AWMac · « **Reply #11 on:** August 21, 2006, 06:29:10 PM »

Texace my prayers and condolences.

I can feel the pride you have in your Grandfather, memories will keep him near you.

Semper Fi Lt. Col. Elbert "Al" Price, USMC (Ret.)

Rest Now Marine. <<>>

mac

a Fly By would be respectfully admirable in MA tonight.

texace · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2006, 03:23:55 AM »

Here is the obituary posted in Tuesday's paper. I'm the one that wrote it.

Elbert F. "Al" Price, 83, a Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, left this life Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Memorial service: 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 745 W. Pipeline Road. Burial: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery; the procession will form in Lane A. Visitation: Friends may call at Lucas Hurst Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Road, where the family will be present 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Col. Price served in the Marine Corps as an aviator from 1942 until his retirement in 1968. He had a distinguished career with the Marines, seeing combat in World War II and Korea, flying the F4U Corsair. He earned many citations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After retirement from the Marine Corps, he moved back to his birthplace, Fort Worth. He worked for LTV Grand Prairie, retiring after 17 years. During this time, he continued to fly the Corsair for the Confederate Air Force. In 1992, Col. Price finally hung up his wings after 50 years of flying. Semper Fi.

Survivors: His beloved wife of 60 years, Earline Young Price of Bedford; daughters, Dr. Janis Greenough and her husband, Kent, of Petersburg, Tenn., and Terry Giles and her husband, Steve, of Lake Worth; grandchildren, Jenny-Marie Greenough of Keyport, Wash., Kris Greenough of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Connor and Aaron Giles of Lake Worth; sister, Betty Ann Crockford of Houston; and nieces and nephews.

You can see it here.

rpm · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2006, 03:35:11 AM »

Sorry to hear that Texace. Sounds like he lived a wonderful life.

JB88 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2006, 03:53:17 AM »

heartfelt condolences sir.

88