Obituary of Clarence William Rice

FINE - Clarence William Lawrence Rice, age 89, of Fine, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the Country Manor Nursing Centre in Carthage. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Edwards on Tuesday, July 30th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. His funeral service will be on Wednesday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Hubert's Catholic Church in Star Lake. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. Bill was born on November 3, 1923 in Edwards to the late Clarence Abner and Goldie Elizabeth (Tressider) Rice. He attended the Edwards Central School and proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class during WWII. He had received the American Theater Medal with 1 Star, WWII Victory Medal, and the European Theater Medal. Mr. Rice married Bernadette M. Cahill on June 21, 1948 at the Sacred heart Catholic Rectory in Edwards with Father LaGoe and Father Skelley officiating. Bernadette passed away on March 15, 1996. Bill worked as a hoist operator and a blacksmith for St. Joe Mineral Corporation for 44 years. He was a member of the Edwards VFW, the Big Creek Rod and Gun Club, the Trout Lake Rod and Gun Club, the Benson-Mines American Legion, and the Fine Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, spending time at his camp on Trout Lake, swimming, and playing golf. His survivors include his daughter, Bernadette M. and Rodney Boula of Keene, NY; seven sons, Richard and Deborah of Binghamton, James and Sandy of Fine, Thomas and Rogene of Star Lake, Daniel and Gail of Star Lake, Harold "Marty" of Pitcairn, Douglas of Pitcairn, and Kevin and Kim of Redcreek. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Bill is predeceased by his wife; a son, William Rice; his sister, Elizabeth Brice; and a granddaughter, Samantha Rice. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse NY 13057 or the National M.S. Society at www.nationalmssociety.org/donate. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.