SFC Ronald E. Rice (Retired) departed this life January 8, 2019. He was born July 7, 1940 on Kelly Island, Martinsburg W.V. to parents (now deceased) Lawrence G. and Catherine Virginia (Nee-May) Rice. SFC Rice retired from the United States Army in 1978 after twenty plus years.
He was an Army Ranger and led a Ranger Platoon in Vietnam. His decorations include the Army Ranger and Airborne Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals, (two with “V”) for Valorous and Heroic Actions. He was also awarded the Master Parachutist Badge and made three parachute jumps from helicopters (Huey’s) in Vietnam.
Other awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (two awards), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf, Vietnam Service Medal with three campaign battles stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), Expert Rifle Badge, Sharpshooter Pistol Badge, Expert Browning Automatic Rifle Badge, the Gold Recruiting Badge with Sapphire, a Commanding General’s Trophy for outstanding service, and numerous Letters of Commendation from former commanders. SFC Rice served as an Army Ranger Instructor at the U. S. Army Mountain Ranger Camp, Camp Frank D. Merrill named for General Merrill of Merrill Marauders of World War II fame. SFC Rice taught hand to hand combat, military mountain climbing, repelling from helicopters, map reading, land navigation, survival, and patrolling and reconnaissance techniques to all Army troops including Green Beret, paratroopers, Marine Force Recon, Air Force Para-Rescue, Navy Seals, Navy Medics, and Allied Country Soldiers.
He was an avid outdoorsman including hunting in WV, PA, VA, WY, and Colorado. He was a member of Gateway Ministries Church of God in Williamsport, MD and served as Deacon, Pastoral Caretaker, Usher and Greeter. He loved his church and the people.
SFC Rice was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Izaak Walton, and Lifetime Member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled Veterans (DAV), American Legion, Combat Infantryman Association, 82d Airborne Association, American Vets, and supporter of Wounded Warriors. His name is displayed on monuments at Ft Bragg and Asheville, NC, Fort Benning, GA, Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC, and other military organizations. He was a former Master Mason and member of Blue Lodge 38 A. M. & F. M., North Georgia, a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the Masonic Pilgrim Commandery in Gainesville, GA.
He loved taking his family to Nags Head NC annually. He loved grilling and hosting parties with his family to include his two grandsons who accompanied him on many camping trips hunting and fishing. Ron retired as a Senior Account Agent for Allstate Insurance Company after twenty years.
He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Becky Rice, two daughters, Candace Daniels, Martinsburg, Carla Rice and Patrick Ramey, Los Angeles CA, two grandsons, Dustin Daniels of Morgantown, WV, Sutton Daniels of Union Town, PA, and son-in-law, Mike Daniels, Martinsburg WV, three sisters, Helen Tobin, Doris Clem, Mary (Dave) D’Andre and one brother, Carlton Rice. Sisters and brothers-in-law, Faye W. and Glenn Johnson, Florence and Ray Johnson, Sue Jernigan and Frank Alcorn, Barbara and Harold Keen, Frances Settle, numerous special nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by brother Lawrence Rice Jr. and sister Lucille Hart.
Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Brown Funeral Home South Berkeley Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Chapel, 287 Arden Nollville Road, Inwood WV. A graveside service and burial will be held at Roselawn Cemetery, Benson, NC at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Local Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson and West Virginia Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home, Martinsburg, WV. Online condolences may be offered at www. roseandgraham.com Online condolences may be offered at www.
BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.
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