Elwood Thomas Price

Elwood Thomas Price was born on July 9, 1945, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Jessie Exall Price and Vera Elizabeth Johnson. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 9:30 p.m., he peacefully completed his earthly journey and answered the Lord’s call to eternal rest.

Thomas’s life was marked by faith, honor and service. On July 7, 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army, beginning 22 years of distinguished service that included the Vietnam War. He spent 13 years in Communications-Electronics Operations and nine years as a Unit Supply Specialist. He was known for his discipline, his integrity and his genuine care for the soldiers in his charge. He retired as a Sergeant First Class on July 31, 1986. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (six awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal First Class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (three awards), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (three awards), and the Expert Qualification Badge (Rifle, M-16).

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Thomas earned a Master of Business Administration from Southwest Texas State University. In 1987, he began a second career with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a Federal Investigator. He served there for nearly 28 years, championing fairness and dignity for all, and retired on January 30, 2015, after more than five decades of public service.

Above all, Thomas was a man of unwavering faith. He was ordained as a deacon at West Ridge Baptist Church and later became a beloved member of Living Faith Community Church in San Antonio, under the leadership of Pastor Kevin Love. There, he joyfully shared his gift of song on the Praise Team and enjoyed fellowship and laughter with the Senior’s Life Group. His faith was not only something he professed but something he lived, through kindness, compassion and a willing heart to serve.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Exall Price and Vera Elizabeth Johnson, and his son, DeJohn Lakey.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Earnie Blackwell-Price; his children, Donna Jones, Daniel Boone, Jessica Lakey, Dawn Simmons and Yolanda Simmons; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his precious grand-puppy, Cleo; and a host of bonus children. He also leaves his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Duke and Shirley Doze and Korling and LaFaye Duren; his niece, Deborah Price; his nephews, Darrell Price and Devore Price; and many relatives, friends, fellow soldiers and church family.

A soldier has completed his final mission. A servant has finished his race. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend has been called home.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)