We do crazy things when we’re young. Some of us never quit.
I was 23 when Doug Price and I bought a newspaper. We were colleagues at The Knoxville Journal, I a young reporter and Doug an ex-military guy, photographer, with two young kids. We borrowed start-up cash and paid $4,200 for what was then called “The Greater Knoxville Shoppers’ Guide Inc.”
We changed the name to Halls Shopper and within six months, I bought Doug’s half. He and his wife, Linda, started Knoxville Printers & Publishers. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, we met at the old Knoxville Printers, now renovated as The Press Room, to celebrate Doug’s life.
Kelly, Doug and Robert Price
I spoke briefly about the early days when Doug outlawed razor blades at the Shopper because his kids might eat one.
Danny Harb told of their friendship and partnership in HP Video. He reminded us of Doug’s work ethic. “He could fix anything, or thought he could.”
And Charles “Butch” Kildgore told how he met Doug when he came with a printing order and they became friends for life.
Dan Arp spoke of Doug’s generosity and his support of Dan as a fledgling paper salesman.
And Doug’s daughter, Meagan Gardner, described how Doug embraced her as a family member when he married her mother.
The high point came from Doug’s best buddy, his grandson, Riley, who bravely addressed the gathering: “He was my best friend and I loved him so much. My first word was ‘Doug.’”
Robert Price pulled the event together. It was the perfect setting – the building where Doug had worked, dreamed and risked so much.
Douglas Walter Price was born January 15, 1941, and died October 12, 2024, at age 83. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Price; daughters, Kelly Price and Megan Gardner; son, Robert Price (Pam); sister, Sondra Newman (J. C.); brother, Gary Price (Ginger); grandchildren: Walter, Elizabeth, Robbie, Abby, Riley, Luke and Lance; great-grandchildren: James, Eleanor, Stevie and Finley along with several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Linda McRae Price, daughter Derinda Price, sister Wilma Grimes, brothers Nick Price and Houston Price, mother Marie Keck Price and father Walter Price.
