Robert Merrill Rice

Robert Merrill Rice (Bob), 84, of Huntington, WV left his earthly home and entered his heavenly home November 28, 2007. Robert retired from Allied Chemical with 35 years of service, Security Bank with 10 years of service, and was a WWII Army Veteran. Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, Christian, and member of First Baptist Church Ceredo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Garnie B. Kelley Rice, in-laws John and Effie Hatton, a special granddaughter Larin Elizabeth Rice, and two sisters, Estelle Swartzwelder and Leona Tooley. Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Mildred Evelyn Hatton Rice, four children and their families, Bob and Janne Rice, Mike Rice and Tammy Wright, Ron and Peggy Rice, and Tina and Mike Clem. Ten grandchildren and their families, Jennifer Rice, Jocelyn and Brian Holden and Rob and Kristen Rice all of North Carolina, Aaron Rice of Miami, FL, Ryan and Vallery Rice and Holly Rice of Huntington, WV, Kaitlyn Clem of NC, Seth Rice of Huntington, Savannah Clem of NC and Jonathan Rice of Huntington. Five great-grandchildren, Sarai Rice, Carlie Holden, Savannah Rice, and Addison Holden of NC, and David Joseph Rice of Huntington. Also surviving are two sisters, Myrtle Rice and Bernice Willis and two brothers and sister-in-laws Harold (Dave) and Rita Rice, Vincent (Vint) and Ann Rice, as well as many nieces and nephews. Robert also leaves behind special friends, Don and Dorothy McDowell, Phyllis and Corky Huffman, Bob and Mary Chapman, Rhonda Davis, and special care giver, Lucy Thompson. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Ceredo, WV at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday December 1, 2007 with Pastor Rodney Hale and Don McDowell officiating. Visitation will be at the on Friday November 30, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Ceredo Kenova Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Karney Armstrong, Corky Huffman, Don McDowell, Jim Rice, Herman Baker, and Bill Morrison. Burial will follow at Spring Valley Memory Gardens with graveside military Rights by American Legion Post 93. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Chateau Grove and to the doctors and staff of Hospice House for all the care, love and support they have shown their parents and the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice House of Huntington or to First Baptist Church Ceredo Youth Summer Camp Fund.