Lt. Gen. Raphael Dean Tice

Raphael Dean Tice peacefully passed away on August 6, 2025. A proud native of Topeka, Kansas, he and his 6 brothers and 2 sisters grew up on a vegetable farm. Dean graduated from Seaman High School, class of 1945, and married his sweetheart, Eunice Suddarth, on December 23, 1946.

Dean entered the U.S. Army as an enlisted man and retired 40 years later as a Lieutenant General. During his military career, he earned a bachelor's degree in military science and engineering, and an MBA from George Washington University. His 40-year career included combat command in Vietnam, leadership of the Berlin Brigade and 3rd Infantry Division, and senior Pentagon service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for personnel and force management. He retired in 1986, later returning at President Reagan's request to head the Defense Department's Task Force on Drug Enforcement.

Following military service, he served as Executive Director of the National Recreation and Park Association for 15 years, guiding the organization through significant growth and strengthening its impact nationwide.

Dean is already greatly missed by those he left behind. He is survived by his children, Karen Tice Claterbos, and Bill Tice (Michelle); five grandchildren, Barbara Kelly (David), Jane Linton (Brandon), Taylor Tice (Abbey), Alyssa Robinson (Kyle), and Hunter Tice; and six great-grandchildren, Alexander, Luke, Claire, Millie, Sawyer, and Mclaine.

A memorial service will be held at a to be determined date, then Dean will be laid to rest alongside his beloved Eunice at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA. Please visit www.hallfh.com to express online condolences to the family. Lt. Gen. R. Dean Tice