November 19, 1932 – May 24, 2016
Acme Wallace Price Jr., 83, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, May 24, 2016.
He was one of 14 children born to Acme Price Sr. and Bessie Price, on November 19, 1932 in Cordova, Tennessee. Acme married Roberzene Crowder in St. Louis in 1955, a union that lasted over 60 years. To this union were born three children: Acme III who preceded him in death, Renee, and Byron.
Legacy is defined as something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past. The legacy of Acme Price was rooted in his humble beginnings at Price Chapel School, founded by his grandfather, where his father was headmaster.
His aspirations for educational excellence led him to obtain a B. A. in Education from Harris Teacher’s College and a M.S. in Education from Southern Illinois University. Throughout his professional career, his passion, mission and vision were driven by his intent to improve the lives of others through education.
Acme served in the St. Louis Public School System as a teacher, administrator, and later as principal of L’Ouverture, Mullanphy Magnet, and Williams Middle School. The impact of his life’s work remains ever present in the lives of many students and families, teachers and staff in St. Louis.
Acme was a long-term member of West Side Missionary Baptist Church. During his membership, he taught Sunday School, served as a trustee and on pastoral search committees. He managed West Side Gardens Apartments and assisted in laying the academic foundation of West Side Christian Academy.
Acme was a member of the NAACP, Lion’s Club, Kappa Alpha Psi, Urban League and Lambds Auxillary of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. He was active in the University City community and challenged the status quo when he became a mayoral candidate.
Acme’s favorite pastimes were fishing, golfing, and gardening. He also loved to tell stories as he reflected on family, religion, philosophy and education.
He leaves to cherish his memory Roberzene Price, his loving and devoted wife, a daughter Renee Price Lawrence, of Washington D.C., a son Byron F. Price, of St. Louis, and a grandson, Anthony W. Price, of St. Louis, three sisters, a sister in law, Carolyn Thomas, of St. Louis, a brother in law, Aaron Crowder, of Arkansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal friends.
Services will be held at West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 4675 Page Blvd. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 2. Homegoing is 10 a.m. Friday, June 3.
