Nicholas H. Rice

Nicholas Howard Rice was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Nicholas E. and Beatrice Rice on December 18, 1925. Nicholas was called to rest on Sunday, October 9, 2011 after a brief illness. Both parents as well as his only sister, Ellen Marshall preceded him in death. Nicholas graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, Baltimore, MD in 1941. In 1944, Nicholas pursued in his passion to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He successfully completed his tour of military duty and received an “Honorable Discharge” in 1946. Upon completing his service with the U.S. Navy, Nicholas accepted employment with the Westinghouse Corporation and provided faithful service for 45 years. Nicholas was committed to his job and very rarely missed a day of work. He married Helen Gibson and acquired a home in the Edmonson Village section of Baltimore living there for a number of years. Many of his friends and peers knew Nicholas as “Little Nick”; to his first cousins he was affectionately known as “Uncle Brother” and to his nephew, Howard and other relatives he was known as “Uncle Nick”. Uncle Brother was fond of his cousin-in-law, Emmanuel “Blue” Alexis, who took him wherever he needed to go anytime and anywhere. In whatever affectionate way known, Nicholas would always embrace you with his warm-golden smile. It was a ray of sunshine that had the ability to brighten your day. In whatever way we knew him, it brought joy to all to share in his love for attending family gatherings, his love to sing and his love to play the piano. One of the family fondest memories is watching Uncle Brother singing to the mailbox and sky above the family’s favorite hymn, “Nearer My God to Thee”. After experiencing health challenges, Nicholas consented to reside at Rose’s Assisted Living in Northwest Baltimore. It was here that Nicholas received the necessary and guided care from Myra Shelton and her medical staff. During his stay and with that same radiant smile, he acquired the title of “Boss Man”. Having such a title, Nicholas was tasked with advising residents of the designated meal and retired evening times and he performed the task with joy. Nicholas leaves to reflect on his shared memories: his nephew, Howard Marshall (Stacey); six first cousins, James Rice (Elizabeth), Rebecca DeFord (Sidney), Jurena Alexis (Emmanuel), Betty Willis, Ellen Lewis (Stephen) and Charlotte Wilson, one Godson, Donald Gibson and a host of relatives and friends.

Tributes

Nicholas H. Rice

December 18, 1925 - October 10, 2011