James Hice Sr.

James Robert Hice, Sr

James Robert Hice, Sr (LCDR USN/RET), a member of "the greatest generation," passed away on March 28, 2015 at the age of 90. Born and raised in Columbus, GA, he was the elder of two sons born to Clara Mae Langley and John Charles Hice on January 5, 1925. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 68 years, Hilary Wheat Hice, his brother, George William Hice of Columbus, GA and his granddaughter, Amanda Boyington Beaulieu of Yazoo City, MS.

Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1941 as a Seaman Apprentice. At his first opportunity he struck for his rate as Aviation Machinist Mate. As a First Class Petty Officer, he was stationed in Pensacola where he met Pensacola native Eva 'Hilary' Wheat at the Catholic USO. They were married on June 12, 1943. Married to a Pensacola girl, he was destined to serve many more tours of duty in Pensacola which he adopted as his home.

Jim promoted rapidly and ACMMT James R. Hice was the youngest Chief Petty Officer in the Navy at the age of 19. He continued through the ranks filling Maintenance positions as an ADR, maintaining reciprocating engines and as an ADJ maintaining jet engines and was commissioned Ensign in 1957 through the Navy's Limited Duty Officer Program. He was extremely proud of his Mustang heritage. He filled Maintenance leadership positions in VP-7 in Brunswick, ME and in the Navy's first Helicopter Assault Light Squadron (HAL-3) in Viet Nam. He served proudly and honorably in three major wars, WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. He reluctantly retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander in March 1971 after 30 plus years of service.

He was the dedicated father of four children, James Robert Hice, Jr. (Becky) of Pensacola, Laraine Hice Beecher (Rick) of Pensacola, Susan Hice Boyington (Ed) of Yazoo City, MS and Ramon Kevin Hice (Lyn) of Newnan, GA. He was grandfather to 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home on Sunday, April 5, 2015 from 5-7PM. Services will be at Waters and Hibbert on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 10:30 AM with interment to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:45.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Scott Hice, Daryl Hice, Rick Beecher, Cameron Boyington, Josh Hice, Tanner Hice and Tim Stevenson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made for the support of our wounded veterans in Mr. Hice's honor to Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org).

To send condolences please visit www.watersandhibbert.com

Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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