Obituary of Paul Emory Rice

Paul Emory Rice, 79, of Randolph Rd, Morgantown, passed away early Saturday morning, March 30, 2013 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born in Keyser, WV on November 3, 1933, a son of the late Claude Emory Rice and the late Cora Pauline (Barr) Rice. Survivors include his two children, Deborah Elaine Rice of Harpers Ferry, WV, and Christopher Emory Rice and his wife Patricia of Bruceton Mills; four grandchildren, Alison Patton-Fletcher Rice of Denver, CO, and Andrew Emory Rice and his wife Kylee, Dale Reed Ridenour and his wife Judy, and Dale Robert Ridenour all of Morgantown; his unborn great-granddaughter, Emma Sophia Rice; and one sister, Barbara Rice Athey and her husband Fredrick Athey, Sr. of Keyser, WV. Additionally, he was dearly loved by many special nieces and nephews, and very close family friends including Charles Martin, the late JoAnn Martin, Terri Jo Martin, Robert Scott Martin and Erik Robert Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Earl "Rocky" Rice; and a sister, Betty Develbiss. Paul attended Potomac State College, and graduated from West Virginia University with a Masters Degree in Social Work. He worked for more than 37 years with the Monongalia County Board of Education, retiring in 2010 as the Director of Attendance. He served three years in the United States Army, and retired in 1994 from the US Army Reserves with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was an avid photographer who loved to travel. He also enjoyed sailing and was a gun enthusiast. Paul was involved with Special Olympics and served on the Board of Directors at the Monongalia County Youth Services Center, and also volunteered time to numerous other charitable organizations. Paul's wishes for cremation have been honored by his family. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 4:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 6:30 PM with Pastor Donnie Savage officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date in the Arlington National Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the Monongalia County Youth Services Center, 440 Elmer Price Dr., Morgantown, WV 26505. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.