Raymond D. Rice, 79, El Dorado Springs, went home on June 17, 2009, after a long fight with numerous health issues. He was born Oct. 7, 1929, in Independence to George and Gertrude (Himes) Rice, the third of five children.
Ray’s early years were split between Independence and the family farm near Taberville.
Ray entered the military service in May 1948, retiring with the rank of Major from the Air Force in September 1976 serving in the Atomic Weapons Testing in Nevada and as a C-123 pilot and Military Advisor during the early years of Vietnam. During the later years of his military career, Ray served as an instructor pilot, base operations manager at multiple bases and his last assignment was manager of the Aero Club at Bergstrom AFB, TX.
Ray was an avid bowler, winning many awards throughout the years. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.
In 1977 Ray met and married his second wife, Sue Holloway, in Austin, TX. They moved back to Ray’s home place at Taberville in 1981 and resided there until June 2008 when ill health forced a move into town.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers - Grant, Don and William; and sister, Ellen Greer.
In addition to Sue, Ray is survived by son, James, and grandson, Jimmy - Ballground, GA; triplet daughters - Sandra Rice, Sara Ledoux and husband - Vic, grandchildren - Victor, Christopher and Jennifer - all of Woodstock, GA, and Susan Broad and husband, Matt - Moss Beach, CA; and many, many nieces and nephews.
Services were held Monday, June 22, in Sheldon Funeral Home with Minister David Studer officiating and at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25, in Underwood Funeral Home, Marysville, OH, with Rev. Richard Teller officiating. Niece Peggy Trenta played Ashoken Farewell on the violin. Other music was Good-bye My Friend, One Day At A Time and Amazing Grace. The Air Force Honor Guard conducted the military services.
Pallbearers were - Joe Barger, Kevin Rice, Jack Holloway, Bennie Livengood, Steven Rice, Jack Kinnamon, Eli Choate and Don Fugate. Interment was in York Cemetery, York Center, OH.
Arrangements were by Sheldon Funeral Home El Dorado Springs.
Memorial donations may be made to VFW #257 in El Dorado Springs.
