FREDERICK VERNON RICE III

Frederick Vernon Rice III, 62, of Germantown, passed away on July 26, 2011, after a brief illness. Born in Richmond, VA, on July 24, 1949, Mr. Rice moved to Whitehaven in 1963 with his military family. A graduate of Hillcrest High School, he received his degree from State Tech. Institute and also attended the University of Memphis. Fred began his lifelong career in Information Technology with Holiday Inn, and later worked for Cook Industries before joining Federal Express in 1976. He most recently held the position of Program Management Advisor at Fed Ex, where he was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Engine of Excellence Award, the Purple Promise Quality Award, the Outstanding Purple Promise Efforts Award, and the prestigious Purple Promise Chairman's Award. It was said Fred's zest for living made him not a spectator, but a participant in life, and this was demonstrated by his many interests. Mr. Rice (aka "Flying Freddie") was a car enthusiast, owning at times an MG-BGT, Porsche 944, Porsche 911, 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson, 1929 Model A Ford, and Shelby Cobra. He was a founding member and past president of the Mid-South Region Porsche Club, the Antique Car Club Of America, as well as the Mid-South Cobra Club, where he participated in numerous track events, car cruises and shows, and much-enjoyed Saturday morning breakfast meetings. A past member of the Tale Draggers Radio Control Club, Fred was an aviation buff so knowledgeable of facts and anecdotes about the flying machines displayed in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum he could easily lead his own tour there, adding color that went beyond the mere facts of the aircrafts. Hewill always be remembered as a loving husband and father, a devoted son and brother, and a loyal and fun-loving friend. He will be missed by his many friends and co-workers, but probably none so much as Ron Frohs and Brian Sullivan, who shared many adventures with him and his sons, including an "epic" snowmobiling trip to Yellowstone several years ago. Mr. Rice was pre-deceased by his parents, Lt. Col. Frederick V. Rice, Jr., and Josephine Baker Rice. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen Baty Rice, his adored sons, Will Rice and Drew Rice, and his brother, Ben Rice. Mr. Rice also leaves his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frederick and Dena Baty; his brothers-in-law and their families, Michael and Janet Baty, Fred and Jaymi Baty, as well as his nephews and niece, Forrest Baty, Davis Baty, Pierce Baty and Heather Lucas. Fred also leaves behind his two beloved pets, Scooter and Daisy. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Methodist Germantown Hospital, 3rd Floor North, for the unparalleled care and love they gave Mr. Rice during his stay there. Mr. Rice's memorial service will be at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, August 13, at Canale Funeral Directors, 2700 Union Extended. Memorials may be made to Fred's favorite charity, SRVS on Knight Arnold Rd., or to Briarcrest Christian School. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400