Leroy "Vernon" Price, Jr.

Leroy Vernon Price, Jr., 78, of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 26, 2020, from Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem. He was born on April 30, 1942, in Blacksburg, Va., son to the late Leroy Vernon and Nora Grubb Price. Following his graduation from Blacksburg High, Vernon enrolled at Bluefield College, completing 1 year of education there before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he would graduate with his Bachelor of Science degree. He began his career as a teacher of Liberal Sciences and Auto Mechanics that would last for the following 33 years, having an impact on many kids lives. He was known for his firm, but fair and uncanny ability to teach, preparing young lives for the world ahead. It was no surprise that he chose to teach Auto Mechanics, as he wanted to share his love for automobiles, with a concentration mainly in antique vehicles. Anyone that knew him knew of his passion for antique cars, especially his 38 Ford and the 40 Ford he was currently rebuilding. Vernons ability to teach did not stop in the classroom at the end of each workday. His daughters will attest that his unique style helped to mold them into the independent and strong women they are today. They, along with his wife, Vickie, describe him best as their rock. He was there anytime they needed him, whether for a loan, advice, his mechanic expertise, or simply an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. He had a quirky sense of humor and could tell some of the worst jokes ever, but that was Vernon. The impression he left on the hundreds of lives by not only teaching book knowledge, but knowledge of life ahead and how to be prepared and independent will allow Vernon to live on. Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 54 years, Vickie Price; their daughters, Amanda Price Sparks (Lee) and Alison Price Condon (David); his daughter from a previous marriage, Paula Price Kassraie (Kass); grandchildren, Madison Sparks, Lily and Wyatt Condon, and Aaron, Hayley, and Allie Kassraie. Funeral services to honor Vernons life will be conducted on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 11 am in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. For those unable to attend in person, there will be a webcast available via Vernons Listing on www.johnmoakey.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the Price family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. https://www.stjude.org/donate/planned-giving-impact.html?sc_icid=eoy-hw-top-donate-button Service Details. Service When Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 11:00am Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Interment When Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 11:00am Location Sherwood Memorial Park Address 1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153