John W. Rice Enterprise, Mississippi (Formerly of Racine) - John W. Rice, age 86, departed this life on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Queen City Nursing Center in Meridian, MS. John W. Rice was born on March 18, 1925 to Fred and Annie (nee: Gore) Rice in Columbus, MS. He was united in Holy matrimony in 1957 to the former Helen C. King in Chicago, IL. God blessed them to become parents of a precious daughter, Gloria Lynne. She passed away at the early age of eight months old. The Rice’s were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in 2007. Helen passed away six months ago on August 10, 2011. John served his country in the United States Army from May 17, 1944 until May 31, 1946 when he was honorably discharged. After becoming a resident of Racine, WI. He secured employment at Don Hutson Cadillac and Chevrolet Dealership as an auto mechanic and retired after many years of service. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age. In Racine, he united with the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in the 1940’s. He was an extremely dedicated member assisting wherever needed. John served as a Trustee and also as a Deacon often assisting the Pastor with baptisms. He was also past chairman of both boards. John relocated to Austin, TX. in 1993 and transferred his membership to the High Pointe Fellowship Baptist Church and served faithfully there. In 2000, John and his wife retired back to her hometown of Enterprise, MS. where he united with the New Fellowship Baptist Church and served as a dedicated Deacon. John was a member of MW Stringer Grand Lodge F & A.M. Jurisdiction of Mississippi, Prince Hall Affiliation before moving to Wisconsin. He later became a member of Southgate Lodge #6 M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Wisconsin. John enjoyed gardening, photography, dining out, and traveling. He was a friendly, outgoing, talkative person who possessed a special gift of gab. John was always ready to lend a helping hand where needed. He will be missed. He leaves to cherish precious memories a son, Alvin (Yong Ae) Tucker of Olympia, WA; grandchildren, great grandchildren; brother, Freddie (Joyce) Rice of Detroit, MI; sister, Lillie Mae Moore and Patricia R. Rice both of Mt. Bayou, MS; special cousin, Virginia Manning who affectionately called him “Bill” of St. Louis, MO; brothers-in-law, Archie (Jean) King of Racine, WI and Martin (Lynnette) King of Enterprise, MS; sister-in-law, Irene King of Enterprise, MS; goddaughters, Sandra Rogers of Scottsdale, AZ and Taeli Turner of Milwaukee, WI; caregiver, Erlinder Jones and her assistants, Ruby Mildred Jones and Gloria James; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, also his first wife, Ida Mae; brother, Eddie Rice; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 3, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the New Fellowship Baptist Church, Enterprise, Mississippi. Final arrangments entrusted to Berry and Gardner Funeral Home, 1300-34th Avenue, Meridian, Mississippi 39301 (601) 485-8521 Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services Clyde O. Austin and Associates Funeral Directors 1715-16th Street (262) 633-1200