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Obituary: Karick Price, Sr.

Orlando Sentinel – November 6, 2011

PRICE, SR., KARICK ASA, 72, after a valiant 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Karick finished the good fight and entered into his rest, at the request of his Lord and Savior, on Nov. 4, 2011. The son of W.K. Price, Jr. (Rogersville, TN) and Marjorie Hitch Price (Guymon, OK) Karick was born and raised in Orlando. He attended Kaley Elementary, Cherokee Junior High and Boone High School (Class of 1956). A lifelong Gator, Karick also attended the University of Florida. He leaves behind a very grateful family: his wife of 50 years, and the love of his life, Barbara Ellis Price; three children, Karick Asa Price, Jr. of Orlando; Stephen Hitch Price (Sandy) of Orlando; Laura McCall Overton (Eric) of Birmingham, AL. and six grandchildren: Collin,
Foster and Logan Price of Orlando; Meredith, Will and Lindsay Overton of Birmingham, AL. Karick is also survived by his brother W.K. “Dub” Price, III and numerous cousins and relatives in the Price and Hitch families. A life-long farmer, Karick entered the citrus business in 1957 buying and selling fruit. Upon the death of his father, he assumed management of what would become Price Groves, a family citrus business which included groves in Lake and St. Lucie counties.

Karick’s love for the citrus industry saw him trade the second contract for frozen orange juice futures on the New York Cotton Exchange and receive an appointment from then Governor Reubin Askew to serve on the Florida Citrus Commission from 1972-1981. His service to the citrus industry also included director positions at Citrus Associates of the New York Cotton Exchange, Inland Fruit Company, Golden Gem Growers and Citrus Central. Karick also participated in family farming operations in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Even after the numerous freezes in Florida ended the family citrus business, Karick and his late friend Willoughby Cox planted over 14,000 oak and magnolia trees across their properties laying the groundwork for what would become the Sugarloaf Mountain Golf & Town Club. Karick also served as a director for numerous Orlando banks including Pan American Bank of Orlando, Orlando Bank & Trust Company and Flagship Bank of Orlando. Karick had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and never faltered in his faith during his long battle with MS. He was a third generation member of First Baptist Church of Orlando where he served as a deacon and youth leader. He served on numerous committees at the church including service as the Co-Chairman for the Upon This Rock campaign which saw the eventual re-location of First Baptist Church to its present address. Karick also involved himself in other ministry and charitable opportunities. He took great pleasure in serving on the original board of directors and as the first President of the Edgewood Boy’s Ranch. Karick enjoyed hosting family and friends at Gator home games. He was a Grand Gator designee of Gator Boosters and, along with friends Tom Ustler and the late Kaye Don Lewis, helped found Gator Feeders of Central Florida which for many years hosted a barbeque for coaches and players. His love for Florida football also led him, along with friend Dr. Donald Weeks, to purchase a farm in High Springs, Florida that would eventually become part of Poe Springs Park in High Springs, Florida. Karick was a past member of the Orlando Touchdown Club and the Country Club of Orlando. He lived well and will be remembered well. He leaves behind a rich legacy. His family and friends will miss his warm smile, his strong but simple faith, his tireless spirit of generosity and his love of family and life. A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

Visitation will take place between 7-9 pm on Nov. 8 at Baldwin-Fairchild Lake Ivanhoe, 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando 32804. Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy, Orlando 32805 on Nov. 9 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Price Family Memorial Endowment c/o First Orlando Foundation, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32805.

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