Ronald Rice

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Ronald Eugene Rice, who died at his home on August 2, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in Uniontown PA to Warren M. and Audrey Smith Rice in 1953, Ron was a graduate of Albert Gallatin High School class of 1971. He made his home in Morgantown, WV, where he and his wife were in fellowship at the Morgantown Bible Church.

Ron dedicated over 20 years of his life working as a coal miner at the Warwick Mine in Greensboro, PA, and took pride in mining and being a UMWA member. When the mine closed, he shifted gears and obtained his CDL license, and to the surprise of his instructor and classmates he was able to park the 18-wheeler between the cones on his first attempt. He had excellent driving skills and was known to help others navigate their boats in and out of the water at Cheat Lake.

Known for his can-do attitude, Ron was always handy around the house and loved spending time outdoors. He had a special bond with his lifelong friend Randy with whom he shared many laughs and good times.

A true man of many talents, he enjoyed music and played the trombone in the school band and had taken violin lessons in his youth. Later in life, he was known to pick the banjo, and he had a good singing voice. Another notable endeavor was his life-long passion for German Shepherd Dogs. He had owned at least one GSD or rather they had owned him since he was fourteen years of age. He had also at one time been involved in breeding them, and many people would later recognize him after buying a puppy and would let him know what a great dog they had.

Ron was athletic and liked to play football and snow ski. He was an avid Steelers fan.

His friends called him "Mile", a nickname given to him in his youth because he lived approximately a mile from where he and friends gathered in downtown Point Marion.

Ron cherished his wife of 30 years, Rhonda Taylor Rice, and was a loving brother to Carolyn Sine (Randy) of Morgantown, Warren Rice, Jr. (Margaret) of Mesa, AZ, and Irving Rice (Mitzi) of Point Marion, PA. He leaves behind two cherished step-grandchildren, Everett Dane and Travis Toppins and their father Everett Toppins all of Huntington WV, and a sister-in-law Judy (Clinton) Adkins of Reedsville, along with several nieces and nephews. He shared a very special bond with his oldest step-grandson Everett Dane, who was called "Lil E". They shared many happy hours together swimming and playing.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda Keener, and his step-daughter, Regina Toppins.

Memorial services will be held to celebrate Ron's life and legacy at Morgantown Bible Church at a later date. We invite family and friends to join us in paying tribute to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Details of the services will be announced soon, so please stay tuned for further information.