Melvin Adolph Rice
July 31, 1931 ~ April 29, 2010
Melvin Adolph Rice, Sr, 78, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, April 29, 2010 surrounded by his family. He was born July 31,1931 in Gadsden, Alabama, son of the late Donald Roy and Annie Lawson Rice. He was also preceded in death by three sisters.
Melvin was in the United States Navy for 4 years where he served his country during the Korean Conflict. He served on the USS Perkins DD877 and the USS Haynesworth DD700. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans and served as a driver for many years. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 55. Melvin was also an active member of Arlington Baptist Church.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 61 years, Jo Ann Tinsley Rice; daughter, Deborah Rice Redgrave and husband Stephen of Rocky Mount; son, Melvin Adolph Rice, Jr. and wife Susie of Battleboro; five grandchildren, Ashley Gurganus Walton and husband Sgt. James Travis Walton, Bradley W. Rice, Brittany Tedder, Michael Redgrave and Shelby Redgrave; great-grandson, Matthew Walton; and brother, Walter J. Rice of Waterloo, SC.
The family will receive friends and relatives 7-8:30p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, and other times at the home. A funeral service to remember Melvin will be held at 2:00p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Arlington Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Lowry and Dr. Bill Tomlinson officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville NC 27834.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. You may share your memories and send the family condolences online by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 5/1, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Arlington Baptist Church
1500 Bethlehem Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
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Sunday 5/2, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Uncle Melvin (although I never called him uncle) – was always my favorite uncle as long I can remember. I hung on every word of every sea story he told me – and there were many! He was my inspiration for joining the Navy myself and I looked forward to similar adventures that he had experienced although I was concerned my Vietnam adventures might have been similar to his Koren adventures. All worked out for the best and as an adult I enjoyed sharing my sea stories with him once I completed my military days. I would tell my stories and he would just sit there with that big Melvin smile on his face and enjoying every word! In the later years of life we didn’t visit much due to the everyday things in life that always put visits and trips off until another day. But even with that I thought of Melvin most everytime one of those sea stories came up. I will surely miss him! Fare seas and calm winds to a great man!
To the best Dad in the world. If everyone had a Father like you, the world would be a perfect place. I’m thankful to our Heavenly Father I had the chance to let you know how much I love you. You will be missed and you will continue to live in our hearts. Thank you for being my Dad! Love Always, Deborah
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rice family in the home going of Melvin, Sr. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. May God grant you peace.
Melvin Sr was the greatest Father-in-law anyone could ever have. He made me laugh from the moment I first met him. He was always picking on me about something. I’m so happy to have had him as a part of my life for the past 16 years. I’m happy I gave him a beautiful step-grandaughter and a handsome grandson. He loved my daughter as his own (he even told me so) and he truly enjoyed his grandson. They were two peas in a pod. Melvin will be greatly missed, but we have so many wonderful memories to carry with us throughout the remainder of our lives. I’m thankful that I was able to share my feelings with him, and he with me, prior to his passing. I’m also thankful his suffering is over and he is completely healed and celebating with his Lord and Savior. We will miss you Grandpa and we will always love you!! Your daughter-in-law, Susie