William “Bill” Henry Price
William “Bill” Henry Price, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, died surrounded by family at the age of 96, on February 25, 2024, the same day that his eldest daughter Lisa died nine years prior.
Born on a share croppers farm in Logan, Ky., the next to youngest of 6 boys with an older sister, he moved to Springfield, Tn., at a young age where he attended school. Immediately after graduation, Bill followed in the footsteps of his four older brothers and joined the military in 1944 as World War II was winding down. Bill was very proud of having served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
After service, Bill traveled to Albuquerque where he developed a love of the South West with its natural beauty. Bill began his study of art at the University of New Mexico and then transferred to UCLA where he received his bachelor’s degree. Bill took his passion for art and began working for Disney where he made art for Disney films.
In the mid 1950s Bill decided to return to Tennessee, where Bill’s brother James convinced Bill to use his art degree to start an outdoor advertising business. The two of them went into business together and created National Posters, an outdoor advertising firm. Bill was not only a compassionate artist, he was a driven perfectionist. When asked the secret to his businesses success he would state that it was his “unwillingness to compromise on quality for the sake of profit”. If a work order was not perfect he would have it redone even if it meant that the company would lose money. In addition to being a perfectionist, Bill was an extremely hard worker who was both loyal to his family and his job. For the Price family, Saturdays were spent with the kids helping Dad at Nationals Posters. Saturdays with Dad were some of the most memorable and lovable memories for the family. In the late 80s, Bill’s passion, hard-work and dedication elevated National Posters to being the largest outdoor advertising company in the country with plants in 10 different states. As with most every successful person, there is more likely than not a very supportive partner.
Without question, Bill’s greatest fortune in life was finding Jaqueline Sullenberger who provided Bill with a joyous marriage of 67 years this April. Bill and Jackie were the epitome of a happily married couple who navigated the extreme challenges of life with the utmost grace both consistently, publicly and privately. They set the bar extremely high with the greatest of ease by genuinely respecting each other and living with Christianity at the core of their relationships.
In addition to family and career, Bill loved life and anyone who knew Bill, knew that he loved golf where he could build you up with his social skills while he destroyed you as a potential competitor. Bill loved to compete but he mostly just loved being with his friends, and if a man’s wealth is to be judged by the quality of friendships, then Bill is perhaps one of the richest men you would ever meet.
Bill’s death was preceded by his daughter, Lisa and his brothers, Warren, James, Morton, George, Ray and sister known as Sister (Francis).
Bill is survived by his wife Jackie, and his children, Marci, Kevin and Christy, along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and his loud dog, Lucy.
Funeral services will be conducted from the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, with Dr. Bill Owens officiating.
The commital service will be held on Monday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 1, from 10 a.m. until service time at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Please make any donations to Bethel Bible Village https://bethelbiblevillage.org/ or First Presbyterian Church https://1stpresbyterian.com/