Dads in the Limelight
Our 349th Dad in the Limelight is Gene Price. I want to thank Gene for being a part of the Dads in the Limelight series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing him with all of you.
1. Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers’ knowledge).
The book jacket tells the essentials of my upbringing. As far as being in the limelight, I was a Top 40 “Disc Jockey” for 12 of my almost 39 years as a broadcaster. The remaining 27 years I moved into country music as a DJ. Starting in 1972, I was fortunate enough to begin a 23 year run on Armed Forces Radio and my program was heard on every American outlet worldwide where our military was based. Through the years I was privileged to visit many of these bases. Being the patriot I’ve always been, this remains the highlight of my broadcasting career.
Also, as you can imagine, being from West Texas I am a sports enthusiast who can’t get enough football, college and professional. Being a graduate of Texas Tech University, I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Red Raider fan!!
2. Tell me about your family.
I grew up on the “wrong side of the tracks” in Lubbock, Texas, seeing my mom and dad always worrying about how to pay the bills. My mom was deeply religious and always said, “We shouldn’t worry because the
Good Lord will take care of us!” And He did! I am the last of six children, three brothers and two sisters. Only my youngest sister and I are “still kicking!”
3. What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
Providing for my family! Having been raised with very little I didn’t want my wife and two daughters to lack for anything. Radio is an insecure business and my own sense of insecurity as a child only increased.
There were times I was lucky enough to work five jobs to meet our needs and I can honestly say, despite my fears, my family was never in danger of doing without.
4. What advice would you give to other fathers?
Put your family first! Make sure their needs are satisfied before you look to your own desires. I don’t, personally, know of a father who has made his family “the most important” part of his life…who isn’t happy!
5. Seeing that you (or your position) are in the limelight, how have you come to balance parenthood and outside life? If you are currently not in the limelight per se, please still answer this in regards to how you balance
parenthood and outside life.
I am now a grandfather, in retirement, writing Christian children’s books. My life now centers on my family and friends, many of whom are members of my church, This seems to be a balanced mixture of socializing with other grandparents and friends who share a common interest. The writing I do now I don’t consider “work”, but a joy, making it easy to integrate it into my already full life!
6. What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
When I was a young father I made a point of closely watching how other contemporary parents disciplined their children. I saw some, in my opinion, overeacting to a simple misstep by their child. That really disturbed me and I thought to myself, “Don’t make that same mistake!” Remember….they’re kids. Correct them in a manner that reflects love.
DO NOT leave an indelible scar that will follow them through life!
7. What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Love your wife, love your children, love your grandkids and, most importantly, love the Lord.
8. What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Being married to the ONLY woman I ever truly loved. Having two beautiful Christian daughters, a son-in-law who is everything I’d hoped for and four beautiful, sweet, well-disciplined grandchildren. In other words, Almighty God has blessed me far beyond what I ever deserved!
If you have any questions for Gene, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
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I knew Gene when he worked for KSEL radio in Lubbock, Texas in the mid 1960s
Greetings, Gene. We used to correspond during your “Music Of Your life” period in the late 80s and early 90s. Wanted to wish you well.
A friend and fan,
B. Rand Nickell
Shelley, Idaho, Planet Earth
Gene,
We miss the good old days on KICKFM in Anaheim and those great voice overs. Still going strong at Disneyland 33 years later.
Blessings!
David Caranci