I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness.

Melvin Joe Price was born August 15, 1936, in Rusk, Texas. He was the son of the late Marvin Price and Josephine Smith – Price. Melvin was introduced to Christ at an early age while attending True Lee Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized in Wahoo Lake in East Dallas. Melvin later joined Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in 1985.

Melvin attended Julia C. Frazier Elementary School, and later graduated from The Lincoln High School, class of 1956, where he played football. He also attended Southern Bible Institute and graduated in 1992.

Melvin served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962 in Korea as a Pole Lineman, ranked as a Specialist E4. Melvin worked for the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier for 30+ years and retired in 2001.

Melvin met the love of his life, Lavonia Eackles, in 1962. They married in 1968, bringing two family's together as one, 6 boys and 3 girls. They spent 56 beautiful years together until his passing.

Melvin was affectionately known as Joe, Big Daddy, PaPa Joe, Joe Joe, and Daddy. He was a father, grandfather, and friend to many. He loved his family and was a people's person, oftentimes packing his bags with his brother, James, to check on his family. Joe was even a Pit Master when it came to barbecuing. He loved to fish and play pool, and he would light up the room with his storytelling.

On Friday morning August 2, 2024, Melvin entered eternal rest at home with his family. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Josephine Price, sister Crystal Inez Maxie, his sons Ray Lee Eackles and Daryl Keith Lewis, granddaughters Tasha Lewis, and Jasmine Lewis-Green.

He will be missed and cherished by his wife Laviona Price, children Melvin (Cathy) Price of Dallas, TX, Janikka (Derrick) Lee of Dallas, TX, Tameika Price of Dallas, TX, Ruby Lewis of Dallas, TX, Curtis (Faye) Lewis of Dallas, TX, Tony Lewis of Dallas, TX, Kenny Lewis of Spring, TX, bonus daughter Lisa McBurrows of Mesquite, TX, brothers James (Joyce) Price of Dallas, TX, Wilbur (Toni) Price of Seattle, WA, and Aunt Ethel Watkins of Dallas, TX, 25 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. A host nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.