Madera - Samuel Thomas Price Jr. was born on March 6, 1922 in Rotan Texas. He passed away on April 14, 2011 at the age of 89. He spent his childhood in Merced where he graduated from Merced High School. He then moved to Texas where he began his apprenticeship as a printer. After completing the trade school, he moved to Mariposa where he established his career as a printer at the Mariposa Gazette. It was there that he met his wife of 68 years Lorraine Price.
Sam served in the Army during World War II. He returned to California when the war was over and continued his career as the owner of a small newspaper in Greenville, CA. After a few years Sam and his family moved to Biola, CA where he began his life work as a merchant. In 1952, Sam and his family moved to Madera where he continued his work in the store that we all love and miss…Prices gifts and collectibles.
Sam was active on the Madera City Council for many years and served serveral terms as Mayor of Madera. He was very involved in the community and was a strong supporter in many organizations. He particularly enjoyed the Madera Lions Club.
Sam is survived by his wife Lorraine Price, son Tom Price and his wife Trudy, son-in-law Robbie Littrell and wife Linda, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his daughter Madeline, daughter-in-law Lynda Price, brother Billy Price and sister Polly Minogue.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 18th from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Jay Chapel in Madera CA. A church service will be held on Tuesday, April 19th at 11:00am at Fourth Street Church of God in Madera.
In lieu of flowers please make remembrances to the Madera Breakfast Lions Club, 821 West Yosemite Avenue, Madera, CA 93637.