Franklin C. Rice

Franklin C. Rice, Col. USAF Ret. Frank died Sunday, October 24, 2010 in a skilled nursing facility in Gainesville, VA. He was born June 2, 1925, in Berkeley Springs, WV, the son of Ray Roscoe Rice and Elsie Victoria Custer.

He served his country from 1943-1972, enlisting in the Army Air Corp and retiring as a Colonel in the US Air Force. He participated in World War II, The Korean Conflict and in The Viet Nam War. He earned the Bronze Star and other awards. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University and his Masters in Business Administration from Auburn University.

After retiring from the military, Frank embarked on a successful career as a Realtor and a mentor to many in the industry. He managed the Long & Foster office in Manassas for nearly 20 years. Afterwards, he and his wife, Dale had a successful real estate team in association with Keller Williams Realty in Manassas. They are also the owners of Keller Williams Rice Realty, LLC in Martinsburg, WV and Harpers Ferry, WV. During his time of leisure Frank raised and raced thoroughbred horses, enjoyed playing cards and fishing.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his sister, Wanita Stephenson and four brothers, Ray Rice, Jr, Renan Rice, Glen Rice and Keith Rice.

Surviving are his wife, Dale S. Rice of Manassas, VA; his son, Gregory A. Rice of Nokesville, VA; daughter, Karen J. Rice of Browntown, VA; step-daughter, Andrea Napoli-Brown of Nokesville, VA; step-son, Paul B. Napoli of Shepherdstown, WV; four grandchildren; G. Alan Rice, Jessica Rice, J.P. Napoli and Jacob Napoli. He is also survived by four sisters, Corinne DeLawder and Relda White of Berkley Springs, WV; Barbara Morgan of Fairfax, VA; Sandra Norman of Evington, VA; and many nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive friends Thursday evening October 28th from 6-8 pm at Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road. Manassas. The Funeral service will be held Friday, October 29th at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will be January 31, 2011, at 3:00pm with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030.





This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).