Wayne mourns death of Atlas Price, 2005 Outstanding Commissioner

Former Commissioner Atlas Price Jr., who was active in the NCACC and NACo during his five terms on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, died Dec. 1 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79.

The late Atlas Price was presented a resolution of appreciation in 2005 from the NCACC Board of Directors for his leadership during the BRAC process.

In 2005, Price was awarded the NCACC's Outstanding County Commissioner award for his tireless work on behalf of all of North Carolina's 100 counties, particularly for his efforts in protecting the state's military assets during the latest Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Price served as co-chair of the Local Government Military Base Advisory Committee.

Before opting to not seek re-election in 2008, Price served as a member of the NCACC's Environment and Tax and Finance steering committees. He was a member of the NCACC Board of Directors as District 3 Director from 1995-97, and served on the Risk Management Pools Board of Trustees from 1998-2006.

He was also active with the National Association of Counties (NACo), serving on various committees and task forces.

"Atlas Price was a leader, a trainer, a teacher and a friend," said Board Chairman Jack Best. "He served Wayne County faithfully for 30 years and will be sorely missed."

Earlier this year Price was bestowed The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state, with the rank of "Ambassador Extraordinary."