James Weldon Rice's Obituary
James Weldon Rice, 84, went to his Heavenly Home, Wednesday, April 22, 2015. “Chubby” as he was affectionately called since a toddler, was born September 20, 1930 to John Houston and Louise Phillips Rice in Paris, Texas. He attended schools in Reno and graduated from Paris High School in 1948.
Chubby proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed in Utah & French Morocco, Casablanca in North Africa. Mr. Rice was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He used his GI Bill to go to Kilgore College to become a watch maker, just another of his many skills and hobbies.
Stateside, he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 34 years. After his “retirement” he pursued his love of automobiles, building and restoring antique autos, preferably Model A Fords. He was instrumental in founding the Tyler Model A Ford Club. He completed a trip with these fine folks around the border of Texas and into many other parts of this beautiful state. When he could no longer attend, the club honored him with a lifetime membership. Mr. Rice was a member of Mobberly Baptist Church and the Open Door Bible Class, and he enjoyed church activities with many great friends.
After the effects of ALS made it difficult to stay at home, he lived in the Alpine House in Longview and the last two years and 8 months at the Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler. The care, attention and love that he received in this Godly place were such a blessing. He was in G House- we called it Gods House. The final salute given by his band of brothers and staff as the hearse slowly passed each cottage touched the heart of his family. How blessed we are that God placed him in this lovely place. We could never find the words to thank these special men and women for their service and sacrifice, along with Compass Hospice for their loving care and attention.
Chubby is survived by his best friend and wife of 62 years, Elaine Martin Rice; his son James Martin Rice and his wife Renee’ of Lake Cherokee; his daughter Lisa and her husband John Lee Jones of Tyler; two grandchildren, Jeb Weldon Jones and his wife Betsy of Tyler, and Leigh Elaine Jones Namken and her husband Brandon of New Braunfels. His treasures were his 5 great grandchildren, Griffin Lee Jones, Riley Anne Jones, Reagan Elizabeth Jones, Clayton James Namken, and Blayne Curtis Namken. His is also survived by a niece, Rebecca Martin Reaves and her husband Larry and their children. A most special friend who “loved him like a brother” Jack Whitehead, who faithfully visited Chubby and could understand him, even after he could no longer speak. He was preceded in death by 2 nephews, John Martin and Bruce Martin.
A celebration of Chubby’s Life will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview at 10 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2015 with Rev. Scott Schulik officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview or Tyler, www.hiway80rm.org, 3117 W. Marshall, Longview, TX 75604.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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