Donald Delbert Rice, 88, born on April 21, 1932, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021.
He was a son, sailor, nurse, husband, father, teacher, preacher, pianist, curator, and historian. Donald worked for the Seventh-day Adventist church for more than 30 years. Donald and his wife June were foster parents to more than 180 children. Donald loved to share his knowledge with all those around him, including asking if you knew what your name meant. He was a passionate reader, continually wanting to learn more, and had an extensive collection of books. Donald loved life and rarely did you find him without a smile on his face. He and his wife resided in Fort Payne, Alabama for over 20 years. Donald had been living with his daughter and her family for the past two and a half years in Chattanooga, TN.
Share your memories and express your condolences on our guestbook.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, June Elaine (Dyer) Rice; parents, Donald Edwin and Carrol Icis (Smith) Rice; sisters, Karen Nada Mitchell and Blossom Rice; two sons, Dennis Eugene Rice and Douglas Edmund Rice, and one grandson, Ricky Rice.
He is survived by five of his children and their spouses, Dawn Elaine Bowie, Dean and Melissa Shaw, Daniel and Alba Rice, Deborah and Jim Richmond, and Dorothy and Michael Whitney; fourteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and many more who call him dad.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 12-2 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Elder Marvin Glass officiating, and where Donald will receive military honors.
He will be laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 22, at 10:30 a.m.