Obituary of Ronnie L Rice

Rice, Ronnie L., 90, of Pittsgrove, NJ, died Thursday, June 26, 2025. Son of the late Chester and Grace Rice, Ron was born on April 27, 1935 in Flag Pond, Tennessee. Ron's father was an apple farmer, and owned a general store for a time. The family prized hard work and doing right by your neighbors. In addition to farm chores and helping out at the store, Ron learned how to hook rugs with his sisters, Lib and Eloise, to make extra money for the family - which, in pre-electrification Unicoi County, they did by the light of a kerosene lamp. A Vietnam veteran, Ron served in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a member of the Air Police and the Honor Guard, rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant over a career that spanned more than 20 years. Extended deployments brought him to Thailand, Germany, Alaska, and Canada, where he met his bride, Jessie. Ron earned a bachelor's degree while in the service, and a Master of Business Administration following his military retirement. In civilian life, Ron began a new career, serving at Stockton University first as Director of Security and, later, as Director of Housing. Ron and Jessie's home was a constant destination, a haven for family and friends for decades. There, you'd see Ron in the midst of one project or another - he was most himself whenever he was moving through the world - and when you were with him, you knew that same sense of steadfast ease. He had a passion for sports and the outdoors, playing baseball and basketball for USAF teams, and he could happily spend hours hunting, fishing, gardening, and chopping wood. He would be the first to admit that his love of tennis and golf, which he played into his 80s, sometimes went unrequited. Ron's quick Appalachian humor and playfulness with language were ready sources of stories that are best not printed. Ron is survived by his son Stanley Rice and daughter Wendy Rice, their spouses, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all. No service is planned. Arrangements were entrusted to Rone Funeral Service in Vineland, NJ. For condolences, please visit ronefuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.