Donnie Ray Price
- Born: Nov. 2, 1932 Johnston, NC
- Died: Aug. 9, 2009 Johnston, NC
- Buried: New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, Kenly, NC
- Married: Betty Lou Bass on Oct. 1, 1956
Donnie Ray Price
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Donnie Ray Price, the son of Fletcher and Ora Stancil Price, was born November 2, 1932, in Johnston County, North Carolina.
He had three siblings: Vann Price, Lucille Price and Gail Stancil.
His future wife Betty Lou Bass was born on March 13, 1936, in Wilson, North Carolina, the daughter of Alonza and Lissie Godwin Bass and granddaughter of Lynn Bass, Berry Godwin, Martha Simpson and John Bass. She grew up on a farm in Wilson County, where her family attended the Apostolic Holiness Church.
Donnie Ray and Betty Lou's paths crossed in 1952 when they were set up on a blind date to the movies. Betty was 16 at the time. Interestingly, Donnie Ray's grandmother, Dora Bunn Price, lived near Betty in Wilson.
Betty graduated from Fike High School in 1954 and began working at McClellan's 5¢ & 10¢ store in Wilson. Around the same time, at the age of eighteen, Donnie Ray started his long career with the State of North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Their courtship continued, and on Monday, October 1, 1956, Donnie Ray and Betty Lou decided to marry. They eloped to Dillon, South Carolina, accompanied by Donnie Ray's sister Lucille and her husband Joe Price. Betty wore a navy blue suit with a white blouse, hat, and matching accessories for the occasion.
Their first home was an apartment in Kenly. They became long-time members of the New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church near Kenly, where Donnie Ray's grandmother was a charter member. Donnie Ray continued his work with the N.C. Department of Transportation, while Betty kept her job at McClellan's, commuting with neighbors.
Betty later transitioned to managing the lunch counter at Rose’s 5¢ & 10¢ 25¢ Store in Smithfield, NC. The couple bought a house on Britt Street, across from Donnie Ray's sister Lucille and her husband Joe, with whom they shared a close bond. For a time, Betty and Donnie Ray also owned and operated a grill in Smithfield before eventually selling it.
Donnie Ray was a passionate fan of Major League Baseball, especially the New York Yankees. He and Betty enjoyed several trips to Yankee Stadium to see them play. They also cherished their vacations to Florida, with Daytona Beach being a favorite destination shared with Lucille and Joe.
Donnie Ray retired from the N.C. Department of Transportation in 1979 after 30 years of service. This gave him time to pursue his hobby of collecting antiques and to take up golf. Betty enjoyed meeting new people and visiting different golf courses, making Myrtle Beach a beloved spot. They combined their interests by opening a Flea Market in Smithfield. Donnie Ray was also a long-time member of the Smithfield Lions Club and the Junior Order.
Family was important to Donnie Ray and Betty Lou. They regularly attended pot-luck gatherings at Donnie Ray's mother Ora's home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. After Ora could no longer host, Lucille took over, and Betty's chicken salad became a much-anticipated dish.
Betty's last job was in the stock room at J.R.'s Tobacco & Discount Outlet in Selma, NC, where she worked for about three years.
Donnie Ray Price passed away on August 9, 2009, at the age of 76, in Johnston County. He was buried in the New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery near Kenly.
After Donnie Ray's death, Betty adjusted to life as a widow. Her relationship with Lucille deepened, becoming more like a sisterhood. They often dined out together, with Betty's favorite being Holt Lake Bar-B-Que and Seafood in Smithfield.
Betty Lou Bass Price passed away on April 1, 2012, at Duke University Hospital in Durham after a period of declining health. She was 76 years old. Betty was laid to rest beside her beloved Ray in the New Jerusalem Cemetery. She will be fondly remembered for her kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit.