Lee Edward Price (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Lee Edward Price died August 2, 2017, at his home near Pierce City, Missouri, on the banks of Capps Creek and the mill pond of historic Jolly Mill. Lee was a lifelong resident of southwest Missouri, including Pierce City, Buffalo, and Springfield. He was well known as an appraiser of farms, ranches, and businesses throughout the Ozarks, and he counted among his clients many banks throughout the region. Lee was an avid outdoorsman and a devoted family man. He was 60 years old.
Lee was born March 24, 1957, to Billy Lee and Jeanne Lancaster Price. Lee grew up on the family farm just south of Buffalo that had been assembled in the late 1800s by Lee’s great-grandfather, William Tucker. Lee was the descendant of seven generations of Dallas County farmers and stockmen. One of his ancestors, Andrew McPheeters, fought in the Revolutionary War and was one of the county’s early residents.
Lee began his professional life at O’Bannon Banking Company in Buffalo, where he began inspecting farms pledged as loan collateral. After a time, Lee established his own appraisal firm, Price Appraisals, which he operated with his wife Piper until shortly before his death. Lee specialized in appraising farms, businesses, and commercial buildings throughout the Ozarks.
In 1988, Lee married Piper Johnson, and they lived for several years in Springfield. Lee’s interest in fly fishing led him to Capp’s Creek and Jolly Mill, and in the year 2000 Lee, Piper, and their family moved to the banks of the Jolly Mill pond, where they built a home and became active members of the regional community. They were immediately embraced by many new friends, who quickly became family.
Lee enjoyed tying his own flies and taking his family and friends fishing to places such as Yellowstone National Park, Bennett Springs and Roaring River State Parks in Missouri, the White River in Arkansas, and many others. Lee also enjoyed hunting upland birds such as quail, chukar, pheasants, and doves. Lee was an active member of several regional and national wildlife organizations.
Lee was a member and president of the board of directors of Jolly Mill Park Foundation, which supports the private Jolly Mill Park and restored Jolly Mill.
Lee graduated from Buffalo High School in 1975, where he was a member of the successful Bison football teams of that era. Lee played on the offensive and defensive lines, receiving All-Conference and All-State honors. Lee received his undergraduate degree in business from Missouri State University. He received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Drury University in 1989.
Lee is survived by his wife, Piper; two sons, Aaron Price and Joshua Price; and one step-daughter, Summer Bonebrake. Lee is also survived by their spouses, Jade Price, Gabrielle Price, and Zach Bonebrake, respectively; grandchildren Tucker Price, Christopher Price, Mickey Price, Ella Price, Davis Bonebrake, and John Henry Bonebrake; brother Jim Price and his wife Fran Warkow; sister Sue Dyle; nieces and nephews Rachel Record, Stephen Dyle, Michael Dyle, and Ashley Price; and their families.
Lee’s death followed a long bout with cancer. Despite his illness and its difficulties, Lee maintained to the end a strong will, positive outlook, and his trademark sense of humor. He and Piper received an outpouring of support from their Springfield, Buffalo, and Pierce City area colleagues.
What’s your fondest memory of Lee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lee?
Share a story where Lee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lee you’ll never forget.
How did Lee make you smile?