Dr. Robert Leslie Rice

Dr. Robert Leslie Rice, MD, 93, of Richmond, the husband of Fanny Mollie Rice, died at home on Sunday, March 23, 2008.He was born in Richmond, Ky., January 18, 1915, to the late Zachary Taylor and Amy Davidson Rice.Dr. Rice attended Madison High School, Eastern Kentucky State College and Normal School (The Training School) for three years before entering the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1939.He then did his Internship at Saint Joseph Hospital and Louisville City Hospital, his Residency at Eggleston Hospital for Children in Atlanta, Ga. (Emory University). He practiced medicine as an obstetrician, pediatrician and anesthesiologist in Richmond for 44 years. He was loved by so many and brought much happiness by bringing many babies into this world.He loved gardening, especially roses, fishing and traveling across the United States in his Airstream, seeing 49 states, Mexico and Canada. He was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served on Richmond’s City Council and the School Board.He was preceded in death by a brother, Zachary Taylor Rice, Jr., a sister, Carolyn Milkey and wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Ross Rice.Dr. Rice and Mary Lou are survived by: two sons, Harry Ross Rice (Kate Cannon) and Robert Leslie Rice, Jr. (Rebecca Trew); five grandchildren, Rachel Rice Mathews (Nathan), Michael Rice, William Rice, Mary Leslie Rice and Zhanna Rice; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Mathews and Noah Mathews. He also leaves much loved nieces and nephews, Sally Morgan, Carol Dayton, Donnie and Rusty Rice; and several great nieces and nephews.Also surviving are: stepchildren, Steven Bowlin (Mary Sue), Michael Stapp (Leslie), David Stapp (Kay), Paulette Felker (Scott), Katherine Proctor (Mike) and Connie Bowlin; nine stepgrandchildren and one stepgreat-grandson. Dr. Robert Leslie Rice will be cremated and interred in the family Rice Lot in the Richmond Cemetery. As he had requested, there will be no visitation, and a memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with Dr. Thom C. Gibson officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be all the people who knew and loved him.In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: Hospice Care Plus, 208 Kidd Drive, Berea, KY 40403; or the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 216, Richmond, KY 40476.To express condolences, visit www.orpfh.com.