William M. “Bill” Rice Jr., 78, died Saturday, July 6, 2019. Bill was born July 3, 1941, at Riverside Hospital and raised on Harris Creek Road.
After his marriage, they built their home next door to his mom and dad. Bill attended Hampton High School (Class of 1959) and played for the Hampton Crabbers (1957 to 1958). Bill’s first job was at Taylor Wilson Feed Store. He also worked at Carter’s Corner Esso, York Oil and the Hampton Redevelopment Housing Authority as a demolition supervisor, but working with his dad at W.M. Rice & Son hauling top soil and field dirt was his greatest joy.
Bill was a lifetime member of the Fox Hill Volunteer Fire Company, Monitor Lodge 197 and the Elk’s Lodge 366. He gave his life to Christ in March 1980 at Fox Hill Road Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Madeline Rice; and brother, Kenneth E. Rice.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane; son, Will Rice; sister-in-law, Patricia O. Wright; nephew, James T. Hodge (Tina); aunt, Barbara Joseph; and a host of other family members.
We wish to extend special thanks to Benton Deaver, Mike McNealy and Donna, Andy Williams and the staffs of Hampton Virginia Oncology and Personal Touch Hospice, especially Bridget and Ladybug.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, at Fox Hill Road Baptist Church with Dr. Nathan Cecil officiating. Interment will follow services in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. at the church prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may made to Fox Hill Road Baptist Church, Monitor Lodge 197, 212 E. Mellen St., Hampton, VA 23663; or Fox Hill Volunteer Fire Co. Station 5, 22 Lincoln St., 6th Floor, Hampton, VA 23669.
Share online condolences with the family at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
