PRICE Prier Lee, III , a Tulsa native and son of pioneer heritage who loved Tulsa and its people, passed from this life Friday, January 28, 2000. He was born in Tulsa, OK, May 14, 1924, the oldest of 2 sons born to Prier Lee and Amelia (Broach) Price, Jr. Prier graduated from Tulsa Central High in 1942 and was designated by his classmates their Honorary Reunion Chairman. He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II and the Korean Conflict and a 1949 graduate of the University of Tulsa. His business accomplishments centered around his ability as a salesman. In the late 1950's he was one of Fred Jones Ford's top salesmen. Seeking greater personal opportunities he started his own business in 1958, the "Better Price Store" and later added the "Better Price Warehouse Sales Co., Inc." businesses now managed by his sons, Mitch and Marc Price. Over the years he achieved tremendous success in wholesale retailing and brokering. The business covered the domestic markets of the country and included retail outlets from Oklahoma to the East Coast. His successful achievements in life touched the hearts of many. He earned the love and affection of many-many people through unselfish philanthropic contributions of time and money to a broad spectrum of deserving causes. These causes included the Tulsa County Historical Society; Tulsa Association of Pioneers; Akdar Shrine (50 year member); Tulsa Masonic Blue Lodge No. 71; Tulsa Consistory, 32nd Degree Mason (53 years); First United Methodist Church of Tulsa and Ryal Indian School. One of his greatest enjoyments in life was his annual participation in the Tulsa Home Builders Association Christmas party for the children of the Ryal Indian School. In 1977 he came up with the idea to auction fixtures and other old items from the closed downtown Tulsa Central High School and turn the proceeds over to the new Central High. With the help of old classmates and friends, the auction raised over $42,000. He was a charter member of the Tulsa Central High School Foundation, participated in the original development of the Foundation and was always present to offer his time and financial resources. He served on the Executive Board for 5 years and in 1992 was selected by the Foundation Board to be honored as a member of the school's Hall of Fame. Prier is survived * A Service of Christian Burial will be held in the First United Methodist Church of Tulsa, Wednesday, February 2 at 2 p.m. followed by an interment service at Oaklawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Moore Memory Chapel.
Tulsa World
Feb. 1, 2000