Ronald Downs Rice Sr.

June 7, 1942 - June 4, 2017

6/7/1942 - 6/4/2017 Ron passed away early in the morning of Sunday, June 4, 2017. He was born in Philadelphia, PA (his beloved "Fishtown") to Elwood and Myrtle Rice (later Young). Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan (Knoll) Rice; 2 children , Amy (Rice) Slone (Wildwood, MO) and Ronald D. Rice, Jr. (Birmingham, AL); seven grandchildren - Emily (25), Mac (23), Alana (21), Miranda (15), Paloma (14), Storey (12) and Kathryn (12). He is preceded in death by his brother Warren Rice and dear beloved grandson Calvin Slone. He is mourned by his son-in-law Deck Slone (Wildwood, MO), brother-in-law David Knoll and sister-in-law Marlene Knoll (Chester Springs, PA), nephews John Knoll and Jeff Knoll, niece Jennifer (Knoll) Terefencko; sister-in-law Frances Rice (Philadelphia, PA), nieces Denise (Rice) Maugeri, Sharon (Rice) Berkey and Jennifer (Rice) Howell. After attending The King's College and graduating from St. Joseph's University with an A.A. Degree, Ron's careers encompassed several lifetimes! His positions ranged from Planter's Peanuts Product Manager to Social Worker for Disabled Adults. In between were marketing directorships for retirement facilities in Virginia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. He spoke fondly of his time as Executive Director of the much-loved Penn Home in Fishtown (Philadelphia, PA). Ron was a great and generous spirit and a larger-than-life presence to all who knew him. He had an infinite capacity for hope; a remarkable and adventurous soul; and a boundless curiosity about the world and his fellow man. He has been an endless source of inspiration for his family and friends, and for countless others who knew him casually or perhaps only encountered him once. The stories of his travels in recent years, even in declining health, are too numerous to mention, and are emblematic of the rich and varied life he led. He was adored by his eight grandchildren and left an indelible impression on their lives. In particular, he was the dearest and closest friend to his beloved grandson Calvin, who left us in 2015 and who was undoubtedly waiting for him joyously on the other side. The memorial celebration of a life well lived takes place Monday, June 12th at The Crossing, 114 N. Eatherton Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005 at 3pm with reception following.