Obituary for Mr. Donald R. Rice UTICA – Mr. Donald R. Rice, age 87, passed away with his loving daughters by his side on Thursday, October 18, 2018, and is awaiting the resurrection. Born in Fayette, Pennsylvania on June 28, 1931, Donald was the son of the late Robert S. and Ella Mae (Johnson) Rice. He moved to New York City after proudly serving in the United States Navy where he met and married the former Mildred Singletary.
They shared 65 loving years. She preceded him three months to the day of his death and he has missed her every day since. Their absence from one another overcame him with sadness.
They were a well matched couple and he adored her. Don was proud to have such a wonderful woman to share the journey of life with him. He was employed by the New York State Thruway Authority as a toll collector at the Westmoreland Exit.
He was well known for his friendly nature on the job, and admired by many for the interest he took in each individual that passed through his booth. When Don decided to retire, it wasn’t for long. He found his way back to a hallmark job because he loved people.
“If you went through his booth, you would remember Don Rice”. He was legendary! An exemplary father, he found time for his children, encouraged them to attend college, was proud of their accomplishments, and was a good provider.
His daughters always wanted to please him and conduct themselves with honor. He loved each one of them and they were all his favorites. For Don, spending time with his family and friends was enough for him.
He had a charming nature. He was humorous and was a bit of a comedian credited with many memorable one-liners. A kind-hearted man, people of all ages and walks of life were drawn to his warm and welcoming personality.
Don was non judgmental, fair, and respectful, and those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life felt blessed. He was a Jehovah’s Witnesses, and as he progressed spiritually, he became a Ministerial Servant, then appointed as an Elder who helped shepherd and teach the congregation. He had a multitude of opportunities to be with people and was much loved and respected by the congregation.
A part of his ministry that came natural to Don was his compassionate concern and personal visits to those who were house bound or hospitalized, and he was very capable of lifting their spirits. Mr. Donald Rice, you were so much loved and admired by this community. Thank you for being the man that you were.
Donald is survived by his daughters, Deborah Rice-Thomas (Joe Thomas), Sabrina Rice, Diane Rice, and D. Denise Rice. He was preceded by his daughter Angela at the tender age of 1. He also leaves his grandchildren, Brice Thomas and Donya Thomas; nieces, nephews; sister-in-law, Alberta McLaurie; and a multitude of extended family of brothers and sisters from the Kingdom Hall.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Harry “Buddy” Rice, Robert “Bobby” Rice Jr., Dolores Henderson, and Chester “Chet” Rice. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Donald’s Memorial Service which will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 585 Trenton Road.
It will be officiated by Brother George Gray followed by procession of the funeral cortege to Forest Hill Cemetery where he will be interred beside his wife, Mildred. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Donald R. Rice please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Forest Hill Cemetery 2201 Oneida Street Utica, NY, 13501 , Previous Events Visitation , OCT 22.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South Street Utica, NY, US Service , OCT 23.
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