Johnnie Wilson Rice, 97, of King George, died Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Johnnie leaves his wife of 18 years, Elaine Rice; sisters Beckie Crawley, Verna West, and Ethel Hickman; daughters PJ Harrison (Ted), Donna Reedal (Steve), and Wendy Rice (Jeff Small); sons Tommy Rice and Ralph Moses (Diana); son-in-law Mert Sawdy; step-children Shelia Strychowskyj (Pete) , Joe Tate (Susan) , and Crystal Boissonneault (Mike); 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Catherine Rice; siblings Alice, James, Mary, Woodrow, Willie, LeRoy, Samuel, and Emette; former wife Mary Frances Rice; daughter Marion Kathryn Sawdy; grandson Sgt. Joshua Frazier; and granddaughter Wanda Kay Kramer.
Johnnie was born March 14, 1922 in Hanover, Virginia to James Alton and Mary Catherine Atkinson Rice and raised in Studley, Virginia. He served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1946 as an aviation machinist mate achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Johnnie then worked in the field of scientific research for the remainder of his career.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Deloris Jackson for her loving care of Johnnie.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Covenant Funeral Service Fredericksburg chapel. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.
At Johnnie’s request, his body will be donated to the Virginia State Anatomical Program for the advancement of medical science.
A private interment will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Some Gave All Foundation (www.somegaveallfoundation.org).