Robert Allen Rice, Sr.

Robert Allen Rice Sr., age 74 of New Miami passed away on November 19, 2021. He was born on October 4, 1947 to Emory and Josephine (White) Rice. We are incredibly saddened of his sudden passing, as he was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and a devoted friend to many.

God's timely plan was to take him home that morning and we find solace in knowing he is finally with our loving Lord and with others he so desperately wanted to be reunited with. He is now dancing with the Angels and free of Earthly burdens and we know he is wrapping his arms tightly around us as he joyously awaits our arrival into Heaven.

Robert graduated from New Miami High School in 1966 and was drafted into the United States Army.  He was a proud Veteran serving two years during the Vietnam War.  We honor his meaningful and heroic life.  During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, and Combat Infantryman Badge.  The US Army also awarded him the Soldier’s Medal.  On April 12, 1968 while assigned to Troop D, 17th Cavalry, 199th Infantry Brigade, his platoon was directed to proceed to a village just south of Saigon to investigate the crash of an F-100 jet fighter aircraft.  Upon arrival residents pointed to a pile of rubble near a burning building, underneath which a villager was trapped.  Disregarding personal danger, Robert braved intense heat and a nearby unexploded bomb, and he dug with his hands to free the villager.  He is the quintessential American Hero. After honorable discharge from the Army in 1972, Robert went on to work in the Coke Plant at Armco AK Steel for the next 30 years.  During that time he married Judy (Gray) Rice, of New Miami, and raised his two children Robert Jr. and Stacey whom he was so profoundly proud of.  Robert retired from AK Steel after 30 years.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed the great outdoors.  He took particular pride in his impressive vegetable gardens.  He was quite the simple man.  Didn’t know a stranger.  He was friendly, unassuming, kind and generous.  He loved his family, and his legacy will live on through us.  Most importantly, we are at peace knowing he loved Jesus. 

Robert is survived by his children, Robert (Tracey) Rice Jr. and Stacey (Kris) Tegeder; siblings Karen Lotz, Kenny Rice and Rita Absher; grandchildren, Robert (Peggy) Rice, III, Dylan (Brittany) Rice, Megan Rice, Julia Tegeder, and William Tegeder; great grandchildren, Robert IV, Dylan Jr., Raegan and Penelope; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Emory Rice and Josephine (White) Rice; siblings, Jerry Rice Sr., Emory Jay Rice and Patty Miller; and his later in life soulmate, Karen Helsinger.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 3:00 PM until the time of his Memorial Service at 5:00 PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Ave, Hamilton, Ohio with Pastor Walt Philpot officiating.

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