July 24, 1946 – December 19, 2024
Virgil Dixon Price, Jr., of Port O’Connor, Texas, passed away on December 19, 2024, after a recurrence of metastatic melanoma. Born on July 24, 1946, in Gladewater, Texas, Virgil lived a life rich in purpose, love and adventure.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ursula Kalina Price, whose partnership and love helped him achieve his dreams. Together, they raised a family and a built a legacy of hard work, resilience, and deep connection.
Virgil leaves behind three children who were the pride of his life: his daughter Kelly Sudderth (of Gunnison, Colorado) and her husband David, along with their children Lily, Joseph, Caroline, and Wesley; his son Vincent Price (of Vanderbilt, Texas) and his wife Tracee, along with their children Luke and Paige; and his daughter Colleen Eckermann (of Lampasas, Texas) and her husband Derrek, along with their children Layton and Cora. He is also survived by many extended family members and close friends who will cherish his memory. He is also survived by his sister Pat Putnam, of Highlands, Texas.
Virgil was preceded in death by his mother, Wilda Sue Williams Kavitt, and his sister, Andrea Shanks.
Virgil proudly served his country with honor in the Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he dedicated over three decades of service to the U.S. Postal Service. Virgil was born to farm. He and Ursula bought their first farm in Ben Arnold, Texas, in 1976. They raised their family on that farm, and as farming families know, there were lots of good times and bad. Virgil and Ursula never gave up, and after Virgil retired from the post office, they began moving their life (and eventually the farm) to the Texas Coast.
Retirement was not a time of slowing down for Virgil—it was a time of living life to the fullest. With Ursula by his side, he chased his dreams with determination, traveling the world, exploring their love of wine by visiting the word’s greatest wineries, and building a vibrant life and community in Port O’Connor, Texas. He especially loved visiting wineries in Europe, discovering new wines and visiting with winemakers. He loved visiting the museums, monuments and churches of Paris and was always ready to share travel tips with family and friends. Virgil was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, whether hosting gatherings, building projects with his own hands, or sharing a glass of wine while swapping stories.
He was a devoted father and grandfather who rarely missed a school performance, sports event, or holiday gathering. His grandchildren will remember him as their biggest cheerleader and an endless source of love and support.
Virgil loved farming, the Texas Coast, the Colorado mountains, France, traveling, trying new wines, and, most of all, being with those he loved. With hard work, perseverance, and Ursula by his side, he turned dreams into reality.
His family and friends will remember Virgil as a quiet man who was hard-working, honest, and steadfast in his love. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the memories of a life lived with purpose, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Visitation was at 9 am on Monday, December 23, 202, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha, Texas, followed by a rosary at 9:30 am and a funeral mass and burial at 10 am. A BBQ luncheon – one of Virgil’s favorite meals – followed at the parish hall. All are invited.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Virgil’s memory to the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department, Gunnison Valley Hospital Paramedics Training Fund, (https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/foundation/ways-to-give/ ), or Lampasas County Young Life, (https://giving.younglife.org/s/), or The Harbor Children’s Alliance and Victim Center (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2429464).
