There are many Buddy Prices in Lexington County. But there was only one William Ty Price, a true original.

Buddy was a man of quiet strength, yet he was also someone who would befriend a stranger and talk for hours. You could easily find him in one of his favorite local restaurants, in the stands of a soccer game, pulling up to help someone with his handy toolbox or enticing a four-legged friend to visit by offering him a dog treat from his truck.

Born in West Columbia, SC on September 5, 1949 to Roy and Verda Price, Buddy grew up in West Columbia and attended Brookland-Cayce High School. He was a proud athlete, playing football and baseball and competing in track. His early discipline and curiosity carried him into college, where he studied computer science and database management, fields that would shape his professional life.

Following his studies, he served his country in the United States Army and was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. After completing his military service, he returned to South Carolina and began a long and distinguished career in computer science and information technology.

Buddy had a hard time being still, and that restless energy became one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to manage multiple projects at once with ease. He worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services until his retirement in 2002 and later continued his work as a Systems Analyst and Project Management Consultant at Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) before fully retiring in 2021.

While Buddy was deeply respected for his professional expertise, his greatest pride and joy was his family, especially his four grandchildren. He was their constant supporter and biggest fan, rarely missing a school play, a music performance, a cheerleading competition, or a sporting event. He was a familiar and steady presence at A.C. Flora soccer matches and rarely missed a home soccer game at Furman University. And witnessing the recent wedding of his granddaughter was a special moment in his life. Ask anyone who knew him – Buddy believed his grandchildren were simply the best.

A lifelong Gamecock, Buddy was also an avid supporter of His House Ministries, the Salvation Army, Cooperative Ministries and St. Jude’s. He was a devoted student of South Carolina history and enjoyed visiting small towns throughout the state – sampling local foods, local festivals, and state parks. Buddy was best known for his ingenuity and mechanical skill, with an extraordinary ability to fix just about anything. His impressive collection of modern and antique tools, combined with a natural problem-solving instinct, often left others amazed by his craftsmanship and resolve.

Buddy passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 76, after a long battle with cancer. He will be remembered as a man of deep loyalty and unwavering support for those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Price; his son, Tye Price (Heather); his daughter, Tracy Pound (Troy); his grandson, Jackson Price; and his granddaughters, Emma Price, Aleigha Pound, and Aubree Starnes (Nolan). He is also survived by his siblings, Janice Hewitt; Phillip Price (Ginger); John Price; and Earl Price, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Finally, he is survived by his faithful canine companion, Aussie, who slept by his bedside for more than 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Verda Price, and his son, Travis Price.

The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to his medical teams lead by Dr, Gordon Grotto at Southwestern Oncology Centers in Scottsdale, AZ and Dr. Steven Madden at Lexington Health.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital in honor of Buddy’s life and legacy.