RONALD GLENN “BUTCH" PRICE, age 77 of Athens, Tenn. Passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Cleveland, Tenn. He was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, son of the late Douglas Buford and Ruby Roberson Price and preceded in death by Son: Paul "Bear” Bryant Price. He retired from Bowater Paper/Hiwassee Land Company and was a member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church.
Butch enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard, September 18, 1969, and was assigned to HHC 2/117th Infantry Battalion in Athens, TN, ultimately promoted to Colonel, March1,1999. He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III from June 22, 2004, to November 2005. He retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard December 31, 2007, after 38 years, 3 months and 13 days of service. He was awarded numerous service awards and commendations throughout his career.
COL Price served in every key position within the Armor field, within the Tennessee Army National Guard. From Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Company Commander, Multiple Squadron and Regimental Staff Positions, culminating as serving as the 6th Regimental Commander of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, located in Knoxville, TN.
He enjoyed playing golf with his golf buddies, tending his five gardens, multiple fruit trees, and fishpond, and driving around the farm with his beloved dog Petey.
Survivors: Peggy Ann Knox Price of Athens, Tenn. Two Daughters and one son-in-law: Kimberly Paige Powers of Athens, TN. Penny Brooke (Mark) Howell of Crestwood, KY Two Brothers and sister-in-law: Joe Allen Price of Athens, TN, Jeffrey Reed (Joanie Louise) Price of Athens, Tenn., Sister: Rebecca "Bunny" Price of Sweetwater, Tenn., Six Grandchildren: Granger Powers (Athens, TN), Crimsyn Price (Knoxville, TN), Ryan Howell (Louisville, KY), Andrew Howell (Louisville, KY), Abby Howell (Crestwood, KY) and Mary Moore (Athens, TN) , several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 Thursday in Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home. Private funeral services will be held with interment at Mt. Harmony Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Bryan Frisbee, Granger Powers, Ryan Howell, Andrew Howell, Josh Bostic, Xander Frisbee. and Corbyn Frisbee.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences may be sent to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/ronald-butch-price
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, TN. in charge of arrangements.
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home
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