Ronnie Price Death – Longtime serving McNairy County Court Clerk Ronnie Price passed away in the early morning hours of Independence Day. “McNairy County is going to miss him as a man and as an elected county official,” said County Republican Chairman Jai Templeton. “I have known him since I was a young boy going to county commission meetings with my granddaddy. He was the dean of county officials in McNairy County.”
Since his initial election in 1978, Ronnie had been the Court Clerk for McNairy County. On August 31, Price’s term as president will end, marking the end of 44 years in office. He was running for reelection and was widely predicted to be successful in securing a second four-year term. Friends who knew him well said that he treated everyone who entered his office at the McNairy County Annex like they were old acquaintances.
Since the qualification deadline for the August election was June 15, McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith confirmed that Price would be included on the ballot. The county mayor announced that an interim court clerk would be appointed at the August meeting of the county commission.
“This is a very tough time for Ronnie’s family and his office staff,” said Templeton. Kaye Price, the widow of Ronnie Price, has already been serving as a deputy court clerk and would be considered the favorite for the post if she requests the appointment. “I have talked with Kaye, but it was too early to talk about whether she wants to be the interim,” said Smith. “Ronnie was my friend and was always helpful to me whenever I needed it.”
A defeat in 1974 as county court clerk was Price’s only defeat in his entire professional life. In 1978, he first won the position, and he hasn’t lost since. According to Mayor Smith, Price’s office is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (their days off) but should reopen on Thursdays. Certificates of birth, death, and marriage are all considered vital records and must be filed with the county court clerk.
