William R Price

William “Bill” Price, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and cherished friend to many, passed away on October 7, 2026, at the age of 76. Following a courageous, year-long battle with cancer, Bill fought as a fierce warrior until the very end.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty; his three children, Tracy (Jim), Todd (Nathalie), and Kyle (Alison); and his grandchildren, Skylar, Riley, Kellan, and Sidney, who brought him immense pride. Bill is also survived by his older brother, Ron (Barbara). He loved his family deeply, consistently ensuring they were well supported and cared for.

A highly skilled machinist, Bill dedicated 35 years of service to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company from 1968 to 2005. Passionate about sharing his expertise, he also served as an apprentice instructor at the Akron Machining Institute from 1978 to 1992. Following his initial retirement, he continued his career as a machine shop supervisor at Bridgestone from 2005 to 2015. Bill was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating his own machine shop, Craftech. Additionally, he mowed the grounds at Goodyear’s Wingfoot blimp hangar.

Deeply committed to his community, Bill served as a therapy dog volunteer at Summa Health for 13.5 years alongside Wagtime Pet Partners. Accompanied by his four-pound Yorkie, Makenna, Bill brought comfort to hospital patients, brightened the days of healthcare staff, and helped students at the University of Akron find relief during finals week.

Bill loved shooting sporting clays and was a proud member of the Sportsmen’s Shooting Center in Louisville, Ohio, where he formed many meaningful friendships.

Bill’s enduring wish was to be remembered for "always sharing his knowledge and skills"—a goal he undeniably achieved. Long before the phrase "Ask Google" existed, the local standard was "Ask Bill." He never hesitated to extend a helping hand to neighbors, coworkers, family, friends, or strangers alike. As an expert craftsman, Bill possessed the rare ability to fix, build, draw, design, repair, or invent virtually anything. A true master of all trades, he possessed a unique gift for teaching. He explained complex ideas with a patience and wisdom that left others feeling empowered rather than inadequate. If a job required a specific tool, Bill always had it on hand—and was always glad to lend it.

A lifelong learner with boundless creativity, Bill was always excited to show off his latest creations, which consistently amazed and impressed everyone who saw them. He was a natural conversationalist who listened intentionally and could tell a joke or a story better than anyone in the room. Supremely talented and curious, he taught himself to juggle, play the guitar, build custom cigar box guitars, and most recently, mastered CNC woodworking software.

He was truly the most selfless, reliable, trustworthy, honest, and hardworking man his family has ever known. His generosity, profound dedication to his family, and tireless willingness to help were a beautiful reflection of the remarkable man he was and the lasting impact he left on everyone who knew and loved him.

To the world, he was a master craftsman, but to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he was everything. We are so proud and forever grateful to call you DAD! Thank you for making all of our lives better and for loving us unconditionally.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Bill’s honor to the Humane Society of Summit County https://summithumane.org/give/ or the Akron Zoo Animal Fund https://www.akronzoo.org/give 

Please join us for a casual Celebration of Life as we honor, remember, and celebrate his memory.

When: Sunday October 25th, 2026 from 4 - 7 PM

Where: Central Park Community Hall

1755 Town Park BlvdGreen, Ohio 44685

Attire: Please wear your favorite Browns, Guardians, Cavs, OSU, Flannel Shirt, Goodyear, or Sportsman’s attire to remember Bill.

Light Food will be Provided.We also ask that you please bring an index card with your favorite memory of Bill. This could be the time he made you laugh the hardest, a lesson he taught you, what you will miss most about him, or another wonderful memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330)535-9186