Edward W. Rice

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven.” ---Ecclesiastes 3A TIME TO BE BORN…Edward W. Rice, Sr. was born on October 24,1916, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Edward William Rice and Maude Bluford. A TIME TO DIE… After a lengthy illness, Edward departed this life on July 10, 2002. A TIME TO PLANT…Affectionately known as “Boy baby,” he received his education through the Baltimore City Public Schools, and before being drafted into the United States Military in World War II, he married his first love and childhood sweetheart, the late Inez Redd. Out of this union, two sons were born Edward William Rice, Jr. and Charles Bradley, who preceded him in death. There was never a dull moment in the Rice household. It was the central place for activity, excitement and merriment. Edward often amusingly told the story that he married and “ older woman.” If there were a question of dates or facts, he would say “ask her, she’s older than I am.” If there were a question of dates or facts, he would say “ask her, she’s older than I am.” Ironically, they were actually born one day apart. Both mothers, Mrs. Viola Redd, affectionately called “Mama and Mrs. Maude Rice were at John Hopkins Hospital at the same time expecting the arrival of their children. Inez arrived first! Their journey together started at this point.A TIME TO WEEP AND A TIME TO LAUGH Inez and Edward were married for twenty-four years until her sudden death on November 21, 1959. During the many years following Inez’s death, Edward never remarried, but during those years he drew closer to his sons, and in his own fashion, did his best to show them his love and his dedication to them. Edward was employed in the Federal Service at the Selective Service Board and later on at the Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City, as headwaiter for Art Donovan, Former player for the Baltimore Colts. Until his health began to fail, he was and active member in the VFW post 285 and the Hiram Grand Lodge, Order of the Masons. He proudly wore the insignias and spoke often about his involvement in the activities of these organizations. He enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members. He was notable presence around children. Although Edward had a stern facial expression, the children would still gather around him. One of his happiest moments was to generously hand out silver dollars to his grandchildren and neighborhood children. That would bring a smile to his face. The story goes that he would often take his little sister-in-law, Becky, who was three months old and introduce (in his usual firm expression), her as his sister-in-law. It was hilarious, because no one believed him!A TIME TO MOURN… Edward is survived by: his son, Edward W. Jr. (Billy); a sister, Mabel Smith; one nephew, Irving; five sisters-in-law, Marcella Dent, Catherine Thomas, Carolyn Madison, Audrey Exum and Blanche Dawson; one brother-in-law, John T. Redd; two daughters-in-law, Barbara Rice and Loretta Rice, who lovingly devoted time and self to ensure the best care for him; eight grandchildren, Edwin Renard Rice, Dr. Pamela Rice, Jacqueline Diggs, Joyce Rice Newmuis, Inetta Rice Hudson, Melanie Rice Spears, Tyease Rice and Craig Murray; eight great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

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Edward W. Rice

October 24, 1916 - July 11, 2002