RALPH FREDERICK RICE, 84, of Crisfield and formerly of Whiteford, Maryland, died Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at his home in Crisfield.

Born in White Pigeon, Michigan on August 16, 1922, he was a son of the late Archibald and Betty Schrock Rice. His wife, Elma Virginia Rice died June 24, 2006.

He was a retired farmer and a United States Army World War II veteran. He was also a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by his children, George Macneal, III of York, Pennsylvania, Gloria Call of Aberdeen, Maryland, Karen Hosea of Mississippi, Sharon Raimondo and David Macneal, both of Crisfield, Cynthia Duckworth of Baltimore, Frederick Bruce Rice of Whiteford, Maryland, and Elma Marie Vanhorn of Havre de Grace, Maryland; on sister, Opal Rice Martel of Richfield, South Carolina; two brothers, Harry Rice of Goshen, Indiana and Orville Rice of Roy, Washington; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six sons-in-law; four daughters-in-law; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two children, Linda Darlene Rice in 2005 and Daniel Rice in 2006; and two brothers, Jesse Rice and Leo Rice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 11 AM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. The Rev. Jim Armour will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron, Maryland. Friends may call Friday evening from 7-9 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Rice are requested to be sent to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland 21802-1733.