Rev. D. Burdette Price

Rev. D. Burdette Price slipped peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, November 1, 2010. Rev. Price is the son of the late Don F. Price, founder of one of America's longest running daily radio broadcasts, The Family Altar of the Air. Rev. Burdette Price served as the pastor and founder of The Family Altar Chapel in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the Family Altar Bible Church in Marshall, Michigan. He, along with his wife, Theresa, founded the church in 1967, and it quickly became one of the region's fastest growing churches. Rev. Price's dynamic and often dramatic pulpit ministry attracted the attention of young people searching for answers in the late '60s and early '70s. Rev. Price was the youngest of four children who grew up together in a ministerial home. Their father, a minister and itinerant evangelist, encouraged his children to pursue their gifts and calling in church work, but young Burdette was a rebellious teen and young adult who resisted a call on his life for full-time ministry service. He left home, served the Army in the 82nd Airborne Division, and walked away from his faith. He ran from God until one night when, at 23 years of age, he wandered into a Billy Graham crusade. When the altar call was given, Burdette committed his heart to Christ and was gloriously saved. From that moment on, his singular passion and life's work was to lead men and women to Christ. In addition to his prolific pulpit ministry, Rev. Price was a playwright, musician, and author. Having written numerous dramatic presentations and original music productions, his ministry among young people soared with the formation of an energetic and fast-paced musical ensemble called The Teen Tones. That drama and choral group presented weekly theatrical and comical presentations of biblical answers to real-life issues and was considered one of America's preeminent evangelical performance ensembles. His popular syndicated newspaper column, "Youth Searching," was published in newspapers throughout the Midwest each week and gained prominence as a resource to young people in the increasingly cynical era of the '60s and '70s. Carrying on the work founded by his father, Rev. Price took over as director and radio pastor of the Family Altar of the Air radio broadcast in 1982. This daily radio program is still aired throughout North America today as it has been each day since its inception in 1943. Rev. Price's gentle message of hope and daily devotions has brought encouragement to millions around the world. In addition to Price's radio ministry, he frequently hosted Christian Television Network's flagship program. Always having a benevolent heart, Rev. Price founded Family Ministries in Clearwater, Florida. Offering food, clothing, and aid to those who are downtrodden, Family Ministries has helped hundreds of Bay Area families with temporary assistance, food, and educational scholarships. Most recently, Rev. Price enjoyed the simple rewards of serving in a pastoral support role at Largo's Westside Church of the Nazarene. An ordained minister in the denomination for nearly 20 years, he formed lasting relationships among its members and helped lead his local congregation to a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Rev. Price is survived by his wife, Theresa, whom he married in 1958; three loving children, Donald, Teri, and Tammi; four grandchildren, Hannah, Lilly, Krystan, and Ashly; and two beloved dogs. Although his life was punctuated by numerous professional and personal accomplishments, he is best described as a pastor, a man who authentically loved people and cared about their needs. His often quoted motto is a perfect metaphor for his optimistic life: "Walk with God and expect a miracle!" Friends are calling Friday, November 5, 2010, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Funeral Services on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. all at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. 727-562-2080.