Lee "Arnie" Price

Lee also known as Arnie was born October 8,1945, son of Edwin and Carrie Lape Price in the Cortland Memorial Hospital, and brought home to the house in Virgil that he lived in most of his life.

As a young boy he planted an oak sapling in the backyard that is big now and flourishing. He loved his home in Virgil and all things and people connected with Virgil. He graduated from Virgil Central School. Which is where he started his life-long love with his wife, Sandy for 59 years. During those school years he was an outstanding athlete in all sports.  As an all around athlete Lee enjoyed athletics watching his boys and grandchildren participating in sports.

He was strong in body, mind, and faith. He was a kind and gentle man that was a friend to all. He was easy to show love and easy to forgive.

Lee and Sandy were foster parents for twenty years and were Dad to many, not only to those but many others in the community. He was active in many community projects.

He had a love of the land and animals and enjoyed working on his farm with his good friend and business partner, George Saltsman and later his son Eric.  The farm brought a great sense of pride and joy while watching the animals, crops grow and his boys mature.

Some years ago, then Sheriff Ken McEvoy gave him a job and ultimately a career with the Cortland County Sheriff's Department. He went from patrolman, to sergeant, to lieutenant, to undersheriff with Duane Whiteman, and finally 12 years as Cortland County Sheriff, in total he served the department for 47 years.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, his children: Stephanie Brown; Michael and Joan, children Katelynn, Mason (Yvonne), Holiday and Carson; Rob and Jackie and children Dylan and Natalie; Bonnie and her daughter Amanda; Eric and his wife Laura and his children Andy, Robert, Nathaniel and Joey; Lance and Robin and children Ashley, Emily and Zachary; Jim; Lori and daughter Alexis (Mason) and her father John Burnham and son Quintin and his father Ben Hill. Also brother Neil and wife Darlene, sisters Roxanne and Louise, brother in law Bob Van Donsel and his wife Linda. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also survived by many close friends that are just like family.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 Wednesday April 26, 2023 at the Virgil Methodist Church. Services to follow with Pastor Steph Brown and light refreshments afterwards. In lieu of flowers you are welcome to make donations to the Virgil United Method Church Youth Group. Out of town friends and family are welcome to watch the services via livestream at Virgil UMC at Facebook.com