J. C. "Jake" Rice

J. C.  “Jake” Rice was born in Buffalo, SC on February 1, 1929 to Willie Riley Rice and Catherine Peake Rice. He departed this life on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the age of 92.  J. C. graduated from Sims High School in Union, SC in June of 1950. A year later he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1953, he married the love of his life Helen Jeter.  They moved from several military bases before being stationed at Fort Ord, CA in 1958.   J. C. proudly served his country for 20 years before retiring in 1971. J. C. served in the Korean War as well as two tours in the Vietnam War.  He received several accolades throughout his career and took pride in being called a veteran.  In 1993, J. C. retired again after working a civil service job for twenty-two years.  J. C. was a dedicated member of New Hope Baptist Church for over twenty-five years.  He served faithfully on the Deacon Board, Trustee Board, a Church Treasurer, member of the Male Chorus, custodian, and a Group Captain.  J. C. enjoyed going on walks, working in his garden, reading any book he could get his hands on, and watching the news and sports.  He also enjoyed travelling and spending time with his family. He was loved by all who were blessed to meet him and he will truly be missed. He is preceded in death by his parents Willie Riley Rice and Catherine Peake Rice, his stepmother, Iola Rice, his loving wife Helen Jeter Rice, and sisters Mae Browning, Ruthel Cobbs and Katherine Smith. He leaves to mourn his passing: his daughters: Elizabeth Barnard (Kenny Barnard) of Philadelphia, PA, Brenda Brabham of Philadelphia, PA, Joyce Reddic (Willie Reddic) of Rancho Cordova, CA, Loral Anderson of Aliso Viejo, CA , Jacqueline Greenwell (Dwight Greenwell) of Seaside, CA and Ruby Price (Lawrence Price) of Fountain, CO: his brother Robert Rice of Seaside, CA, sisters Myrtle Fuller of Cleveland, OH, Juliet Rice of Staten Island, NY and Lela Pearl Gilliam of Staten Island, NY; twenty-one grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  The Viewing and Visitation will be held on May 25, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bayside Community Mortuary, 1610 Noche Buena Street, Seaside, CA.  The Graveside Service will be held on May 26, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Mission Memorial Park, 1905 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, CA. This announcement is a courtesy of Community Mortuary, 361 Meansville Road, Union, SC.

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