David Ward Rice

The youngest of four children, he grew up on the family farm as his father’s little farmer. He was very close to his oldest sister Janice, who even chaperoned him on a 5th grade field trip. David graduated from Dansville High School in 1986. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1987, transitioning shortly after to active duty. David was stationed in Germany for 2 years, was in Operation Desert Storm, Korea, and deployed twice in Operation Iraqi Freedom where he earned multiple awards, including 2 Bronze Stars, 4 Meritorious Service Medals and 9 Army Achievement Medals. Retired 1st Sgt. David Rice was a very dedicated soldier who embodied the Army values and proudly served 26 yrs. in the U.S. Army. He was family oriented, spending as much time as possible with his wife and two sons. David was always thinking about his family and would do anything within his power to help family and friends. He was always last on his list.

David was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Quinn. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife of 26 years, Virginia (Lopez); sons, Anderson and Alexander Rice; parents, Donald and Lillian (Lumbert) Rice; brother, Doyle (Janet) Rice; sister, Nancy (Ralph) Herberg; brothers-in-law, Robert (Cheryl) Quinn, Mauricio (Ana) Lopez; and Japanese brothers, Naioki and Tango Iezumi who he met when he was 11 years old through 4-H/LABO exchange; mother-in-law, Flora Ramirez; 17 nieces and nephews who adored their army uncle liking to dress up in his army clothes; 2 great-nieces; 11 great-nephews; many aunts, uncles, cousins, military brothers and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Holt Baptist Church, 2020 Dean Ave., Holt, MI 48842. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 S. Jefferson St., Mason, MI 48854 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Those desiring may make contributions to Mission 22. Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com.