Oklahoma Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Breeder Bill Price Dies at 89

Funeral Services for Billy “Bill” Bob Price, 89, of Marietta, are scheduled for 9:00 A.M., Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Johnny Young officiating. Interment will follow at West Memorial Cemetery in Lone Grove.

Bill was born on April 6, 1937, in Carter County, Oklahoma, to the late Robert Thomas Price, Jr. and Glenna (Gaither) Price. He departed this life peacefully at his home in Marietta on Monday, July 20, 2026, surrounded by many loved ones.

Bill was raised in Lone Grove, where he attended school. On February 20, 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary Nell Emerson, in Gainesville, Texas. Together, they built a life shaped by hard work, ranching, farming, and a shared passion for horses. They made their first home near Dillard, Oklahoma. Bill began his career working for the State of Oklahoma before turning his attention to farming. He later went into the oilfield but continued to farm and ranch for many years. In 1991, they purchased Washington Ranch in Love County, which brought them to Marietta.

Bill and Mary Nell shared a remarkable partnership in breeding, raising, and training champion racehorses. Throughout his career, Bill's horses earned numerous prestigious honors, including AQHA Champion Gelding, Horse of the Year, Champion Quarter Horse Racing Stock, Champion Aged Gelding, and Champion Oklahoma Bred to list a few. He was recognized by the OQHRA as Leading Dam of Breeding Stock and named Oklahoma Owner and Breeder of the Year in 2003. Bill's accomplishments in the quarter horse racing world were extraordinary. As one article described him, he was a well-known horseman who won some of quarter horse racing's biggest races and owned horses that held numerous track records. His horses went on to earn more than 850 wins in nearly 5,000 races, with many holding track records. In 2017, Bill was inducted into the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Hall of Fame as one of the country's top quarter horse breeders. In 2025, he was recognized as the 11th all-time leading horse breeder in the United States.

While Bill was widely respected as a horseman, farmer, and rancher, those who knew him best will remember him for so much more. He was also a husband, father, and a proud Papa. He had a powerful presence and a way of making an impression wherever he went. He found peace in the simple things, especially driving around to check on his cattle, watching them graze, and taking in the quiet beauty of the land he loved. Bill rarely went anywhere without a dog by his side, often riding with him in his truck and keeping him company wherever he went.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved wife, Mary Nell, on December 31, 2021; his son, Randy Ray Price, on May 14, 2009; and his brothers, Jerry Price and Finis Price.

Bill is survived by his son, Bobby Price and wife, Tammy; daughters, Cindy Muller and husband, Mark, and Sherry Sawyers and husband, Shane; grandchildren, Casey Price, Cody Muller, Jodi Michael, Candice Jefferson, Shane Ogletree, Bryar Sawyers, Jacoda Langley, Landon Price, and four other grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Kay Norton, Sharon Bural, and Barbara Price; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and his faithful sidekick dog, Joe Bob, who was always by his side.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to dear friends, Tammy, Timmy, Dana, and Belinda, for the love, compassion, and selfless care you showed Bill during his final days. Your kindness and love will never be forgotten. The family is also deeply grateful to the entire Good Shepherd Hospice team for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Bill and his family during this difficult time.

Pallbearers will be Casey Price, Cody Muller, Shane Ogletree, Bryar Sawyers, Landon Price, Karsen Jefferson, Judsen Jefferson, and Dillon Langley. Honorary bearers will be A. B. Smith, Timothy Titus, Jackie Rabe, Billy Price, and Ronnie Bonner.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson.

Memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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