Homer "Joe" C. Rice Jr.

It was on a 500 acre farm on the outskirts of Flintstone, Md. that Homer “Joe” Rice made his debut to the world on February 27, 1946. He was the youngest of seven children born to Homer Cross Rice and Zerna Jordan Rice, a family that was truly connected to their community and their church.

Tragedy struck the family when the elder Rice passed. Homer was two years old when his mother and siblings moved off the farm and into Flintstone. Their home was located across the street from the neighborhood school and next door to the principal’s residence. Lunchtime was spent at home from the first grade through the twelfth grade. One of their favorite meals was the French toast and brown gravy their mother made. Although they did not have much, they helped each other, were seldom ill and always went to church.

According to surviving brother, Ralph, the family did not travel much and did not have a television growing up, so much of their time was spent playing in the school yard and listening to the radio, especially anticipating story hour and Orioles Baseball games. The boys also loved competitive games of basketball as they created their own fun.

During his teen years, Homer and his brother, Ralph, shared a newspaper route and also worked in the local grocery store. Homer had completed high school when he enlisted in the Air Force…beginning a career in the military similar to that of older brothers, Richard, who enlisted in the Air Force and Leonard, who joined the Army.

It was in the military that Homer became known as ‘Joe’. A few years into his military career, he married Kathy Crump. Over the course of Joe’s 26 plus year military career, he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base-Texas; Kincheloe AFB, Michigan; Clark AFB-the Philippines; Ellsworth AFB-South Dakota; Camp New Amsterdam- the Netherlands; Langley AFB-Virginia; Elmendorf AFB-Alaska; Dover AFB-Delaware; and Offutt AFB-Nebraska as well as serving a tour in South Vietnam. On some of these tours he was accompanied by his family. Joe’s Air Force career path included Motor Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher/Supervisor, Air Freight Supervisor and Logistics Plans Manager. At retirement, Joe had attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force.

Joe retired from the Air Force and moved to Hampton from Nebraska with Michelle and Melody in 1992. He met Maxine at Bethel Temple in 1993, married in February 1995 creating this very diverse blended family! Bethel Temple is where they grew as a couple and as a family. Joe was active in the church as an usher, faithfully supported the dancers in his life and even participated as a character in one of the Christmas productions and wore a top hat!

Post Air Force retirement, Joe pursued a career in the automotive industry, working for Tysinger Dodge, Precision Alternator & Starter and Pomoco Auto, Hampton. He retired from Pomoco Motors after 19 years as a Parts Driver.

After his second retirement, Joe was never idle at home. He stayed active with yard work – always outside – picking up, raking, mowing the property.

On Monday, August 14th, 2023, Joe was reunited in his Heavenly home with his parents and siblings: Samuel M. Rice, Leonard Lee Rice, Richard Rice, Evelyn Rice, Mae Opie and Marion Hoopengardner, in addition to his daughter Michelle Rice Krock. He was also predeceased by his former wife, Kathy Crump Emig.

He leaves his devoted wife Maxine to cherish his memories, and children Michael John Rice, Mitchell Lee Rice (Jessica), Melody Ann Brake (Dustin), Joy Negrete (Angel), Michayla Remell Rice and Neil Archilla (Maribel). He also leaves grandchildren Dane and Landon Brake and Zachary and Alex Krock and Jameson, Queen and Sophia Negrete and generations of nieces and nephews.

Joe is also survived by his brother Ralph Rice of Flintstone, Md. and brother-in-law Clayton White of Hampton, Va.

A public visitation for Joe will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A public visitation will occur Monday, August 21, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Ln., Hampton, Virginia 23666. A celebration of life will occur Monday, August 21, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Ln., Hampton, Virginia 23666. A meet & greet with family will occur Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Ln., Hampton, Virginia 23666. An interment with military honors will occur Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, Virginia 23434. The interment will be held for immediate family only.