December 5, 2020, 43, Seven Springs

Joseph “Joe” Morgan Price has hung up his hat, left his boots at the door, and placed his tools on the truck for the final time. In the early hours of Saturday, December 5, 2020, Joe heard the call to “come home”, and as a gentleman always does, he knew it was time to leave.

Joe was born February 7, 1977 in Wayne County to Jackie Sutton Price and the late Timothy Morgan Price. With a tender heart, he was his mama’s joy and his daddy’s pride. As the big brother, he was Sarah’s protector. He loved his “Sis” and cherished the chance to be an uncle to her babies.

Joe was sharp as a tack from his dress to his communication skills. Charismatic, outgoing, and always in the mood to talk, he could strike up a conversation with anyone at any time. With one look into his crystal blue eyes and hearing his deep southern drawl, it was all but impossible to turn your attention elsewhere. His dry sense of humor always brought about a chuckle and his wit was quick. With a knowledge base as wide as it was deep, if you asked him a question, he had the right answer…but if he didn’t, he sure made you believe the one he gave you.

A keen memory made Joe the “go to” person when you needed family or community information. He could tell you who was connected to whom, and how, for generations back. Seven Springs was his stomping grounds, and he had an innate appreciation for its history. He was a longtime member of Seven Springs Baptist Church and was serving as their Sunday School Director.

Joe was a funeral service associate with Rouse Funeral Home for 14 years before expanding his business horizons. He was the epitome of a “Rouse” and everyone could see it in his walk and feel it in his side-hug. His “old soul” gave him the wisdom and compassion to care for those who needed it most. Joe worked diligently to serve the families of La Grange and surrounding areas during the most difficult times of their lives. It was during this time that Joe took interest in assisting families with monuments and markers, and Southern Monument Company was created.

There weren’t many who could work as hard as Joe. Before the sun came up, he would be setting up to get the day started. His business ventures were as varied as his interests. He co-owned and operated Coastal Plains Clearing, R.D. Jones Packing, and Best & Price Auctioneers with his friend and business partner, Taylor Best. It wasn’t uncommon for Joe to donate his auctioneering services to local churches and charitable organizations. He had a heart for the children of Kennedy Home and assisted in creating the Grand New Opry to support their endeavors.

If Joe had his druthers, his heavenly home would be arranged just like that of his beloved homeplace. Every time he turned down the road toward home, he’d roll down the windows because “the air is better on the path”. His Sundays were spent at the pond with dinner at his mama’s, an afternoon nap, and time spent with the Price fellas at the barn in the evening.

Joe loved nothing more than to be at home. He wanted to be wherever Ronda was, and their home was his safe haven. Joe and Ronda were teenage sweethearts and rekindled their romance many years later. Though their romance was still blooming after five years of marriage, Joe knew without doubt that Ronda was the love of his life and his forever sweetheart. Joe and Ronda cherished their family and the time they shared with one another. He was a proud daddy to Jodie, his only daughter, and Ronda’s sons Caegan and Cameron.

A service to celebrate and remember Joe’s life will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Seven Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Seven Springs Cemetery.

In addition to his mother, Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Ronda Malpass Price; three children, Jodie Morgan Price, Caegan Bartley Jackson and Cameron Bryce Jackson; sister, Sarah Elizabeth Price Roberts and husband, Tracy; nephew, Garrett Trace Roberts; niece, Jackie Beth Roberts; his faithful canine companion, Chief; along with a host of beloved family and friends.

Memorials to honor Joe’s life may be made to Kennedy Home, c/o Seven Springs Baptist Church, 5924 HWY 55 E., Seven Springs, NC 28578. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.