George Russell Rice

George Russell Rice Sr., 78, of Lynchburg, died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. He was the husband of Patricia Weedon Rice for 58 years. George and Patricia were the love of each other's lives. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio on Sept. 8, 1931, a son of the late Wilbur E. Rice and the late Emma Kaercher Rice.

George proudly served his country for twenty years in the United States Marine Corps, having served during the Korean War.

He was the founder of the Lynchburg Detachment of the Marine Corps League where he served 3 times as Detachment Commandant. He also served as past Commandant of the Department of Virginia Marine Corps League.

In addition to his wife; he is survived by one daughter, Connie Rippey, of Lynchburg; a son, George Russell Rice Jr. and his wife, Kim of N.C.; his grandchildren, George R. Rice III and his wife, Beth, Linwood Gregory Rice and his wife, Lynn, all of Montvale, Lori Michelle Rippey, Evan Blaine Rippey and his wife, Jennifer all of N.C.; his brother, Clifford Rice and his wife, Irene; and his sister, Vivian O'Dell, all of Ohio; his brother, Leo Rice and his wife, Grace of Fla.; and his brother, Edmund Rice and his wife, Carolyn of Forest; his great-grandchildren, George Russell Rice, IV, Tanner Blaine Rippey and Lindsey Nicole Rippey; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 7 brothers and a sister.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, with the Rev. Fordys Arnold officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park with military honors by the United States Marine Corps.

Memorial contributions may be made to the                                                                                  Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 823, Lynchburg, VA  24505 or to the Lynchburg Marine Corps League General Fund, 2337 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA  24501