Ronnie Clair Rice

Ronnie Clair Rice, 86, of Bedford, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021. He was born in Big Island, VA on August 22, 1934, a son of the late Eric Clair Rice and Ethel Brown Rice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Eric Coleman Rice; and his sister, Jeanette Eubank. Ronnie was retired from Ericsson after 38 years of service. He was a member of Bedford Baptist Church and also a member of the Bedford City Council for 12 years, Bedford Breakfast Lions Club, and a lifetime member of Bedford Moose Lodge #1897. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara C. Rice; daughter, Suzanne R. Roberts and husband Donald; sons, Ronald Lee Rice and wife Jan, Terry Rice; grandchildren, Thomas Rice, Cory Nichols, Ryan Nichols, Madeline Rice, Christopher Rice, Kayla Rice, and Caden Rice; daughter-in-law, Dawn Rice; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Bedford Baptist Church, with Rev. Phil Bailey and Dr. Benjamin Owens officiating. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Bedford Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to Bedford Baptist Church or National D-Day Memorial. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.