Dave Lee Rice

Dave grew up in Alexandria Virginia and was the son of Raymond and Barbara Rice, and brother to Donna Gaulke and Paul Wayne Rice. Dave met Karen Whittington in 1968 working at the Wagon Wheel Motel & Resort at age 16. They wed in 1970 and were lucky enough to be married for 51 wonderful years. They raised their two sons, Kevin, and Keith, in Lake Ridge Virginia, and then in Kernersville and Winston-Salem North Carolina.

Dave retired from Delta Airlines in 1989, worked for American Express, and started his own painting business, Sherwood Painting & Decorating, in 1995 which he operated for 12 years. Dave enjoyed spending time on his boat, fishing, playing guitar and doing various projects around the home. Dave was incredibly handy and loved helping his sons when he came to visit. He and Karen spent much of their time watching both of their boys have great success on the soccer field, and they never missed a game.

Dave and Karen retired to Holden Beach in 2007 and in retirement, Dave volunteered at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Dave was a loyal friend and neighbor. He took a genuine interest in others and was known for his heart-warming laugh.

Family was so important to Dave, and what he enjoyed most was being a wonderful Pop to his 6 grandchildren: Cole, Sam, Noah, Brennan, Anna Kate, and Molly. He passed on his love of being on the water, fishing, and the beach to each of them. He cherished spending time with them each summer on Holden Beach and Bald Head Island.

A funeral service for Dave will be held at White Funeral & Cremation Service in Bolivia, NC on July 30th at 4pm. Following the service, all are welcome to join in a dinner and celebration of his life at his home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the Rice family.

White Funeral and Cremation Service Bolivia/Supply Chapel.