Dr. Willie “Bill” Price Jr., 72, died on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017.  Bill was born in Bassfield, but upon graduating from Carver High School and attending Prentiss Institute, he began his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at the Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas, in the fall of 1967.

Upon graduating Bethel College with a bachelor’s in social work, Bill moved to and worked in a number of states.  Progressing with each move, he settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 30 years ago, and approximately 12 years ago moved to Edina, Minnesota, where he lived until his departure.  During this entire time, he retained his association with the educational system, as well as his own personal studies and ambition.

Having kidney issues that led to three separate transplants, Bill continued to live a full life, earning his doctorate in social work, becoming a licensed social worker for the State of Minnesota, high school teacher and high school principal.

He was a member of numerous clubs and organizations, was often first to support charitable causes, and leaves a host of friends and acquaintances.  Growing up in the Sweetwater C.M.E. Church of Bassfield/Prentiss, during his stay in Minnesota, he was a founding member of the Unity South Church of Bloomington, Minnesota, where a memorial service was held for him on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017.

Bill never married and leaves no children.  His father Willie V. Price, Sr., died of an accident when Bill was only a little boy in Bassfield.  His mother, Leverter (Myers) Hathorn died on May 25, 2016, and his stepfather (Jack Hathorn) died this year on March 23, 2017.  Bill leaves two brothers, Legusta and Jackie Hathorn; and one sister, Peggy Hathorn-Booth.

A welcome home memorial for Bill was held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2017, at the Sweetwater C.M.E. Church in Bassfield.