Ila Price Obituary

Ila Curtis Price III, 86, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. Born on October 29, 1938, in Spartanburg, SC, Curtis was the son of Ila and Emma (Weedon) Price. Curtis graduated with honors from Wofford College and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. His dedication to public service was evident in his many years as an auditor for the South Carolina Public Service Commission, where he proudly served the citizens of his home state with fairness and diligence. Curtis also answered the call to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Beyond his professional and military service, Curtis was a man of creativity, warmth, and quiet joy. A gifted musician, he found great happiness in sharing his love of music-singing and playing guitar for his family, community, and church. He was also a talented visual artist, finding peace and fulfillment in drawing and painting, gifts he generously shared with those closest to him. Curtis' greatest pride and joy was his family. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Amanda (Brad) Alford, William (Tabitha) Price, Robert Libbey, Gregg Peake, and Julie (Carl) Lepp; and his eight cherished grandchildren. Though he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julianne Price, their love and legacy continue in the lives of those they nurtured together. A celebration of Curtis' life will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 170 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with funeral clergy officiating. Interment will follow in the church grounds. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harvest Hope of the Midlands or to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, causes close to Curtis' heart. Curtis lived a life marked by service, love, and creativity. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and joyful music that will echo in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.