Official Obituary of
Ronald Hugh Rice
August 29, 1936 ~ January 4, 2020 (age 83) 83 Years Old
Ronald Rice Obituary
Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Hugh Rice, age 83, of Plant City, FL passed away on January 4, 2020.
Born August 29, 1936 in Miami, Florida, he was the son of the late Raymond and Eileen South Rice. As a young child, Ronnie’s family moved to Ohio where he spent his youth, and in high school met his wife, Kathleen ‘Kay’ Vorpe. They married in 1954 and had their first child, Tony, in 1955. Soon thereafter they moved to central Florida where Ronnie worked for a short time in construction with his father. In 1956 their second child, Doe, was born. And nine years later, daughter Lynne was born. Ronnie and Kay were partners in life’s adventures until Kay’s passing in June 1992.
Survivors include children; Doe Stidham, Lynne (Michael) Warren, brother; Larry Rice Sr., long-time friend and former wife; Jean Rice, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years; Kathleen May (Vorpe) Rice, and son; Tony Allen Rice.
He loved tinkering in his shop, drag racing, and old tractors. He spent most of his career at Plant City Steel Co., many of those years as Plant Superintendent. After ‘retiring’, Ronnie loved helping his son, Tony on his farm. Then in 2003 he went to work with his daughter and son-in-law, Lynne & Mike Warren in their tree farm and landscaping business. He worked with Mike & Lynne in various capacities until his passing.
Nearly every morning he could be found at the counter at Denny’s Restaurant, reading the paper and joking with friends and staff. Ronnie was well loved, lived a wonderful life, and will be missed greatly.
A casual Celebration of Life gathering will be held outdoors at the family home, 3012 N. Maryland Ave, Plant City, at 1 PM on January 25. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
Born August 29, 1936 in Miami, Florida, he was the son of the late Raymond and Eileen South Rice. As a young child, Ronnie’s family moved to Ohio where he spent his youth, and in high school met his wife, Kathleen ‘Kay’ Vorpe. They married in 1954 and had their first child, Tony, in 1955. Soon thereafter they moved to central Florida where Ronnie worked for a short time in construction with his father. In 1956 their second child, Doe, was born. And nine years later, daughter Lynne was born. Ronnie and Kay were partners in life’s adventures until Kay’s passing in June 1992.
Survivors include children; Doe Stidham, Lynne (Michael) Warren, brother; Larry Rice Sr., long-time friend and former wife; Jean Rice, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years; Kathleen May (Vorpe) Rice, and son; Tony Allen Rice.
He loved tinkering in his shop, drag racing, and old tractors. He spent most of his career at Plant City Steel Co., many of those years as Plant Superintendent. After ‘retiring’, Ronnie loved helping his son, Tony on his farm. Then in 2003 he went to work with his daughter and son-in-law, Lynne & Mike Warren in their tree farm and landscaping business. He worked with Mike & Lynne in various capacities until his passing.
Nearly every morning he could be found at the counter at Denny’s Restaurant, reading the paper and joking with friends and staff. Ronnie was well loved, lived a wonderful life, and will be missed greatly.
A casual Celebration of Life gathering will be held outdoors at the family home, 3012 N. Maryland Ave, Plant City, at 1 PM on January 25. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Hugh Rice, please visit our floral store.
Friends and family have shared their relationship to show their support.
How do you know Ronald Hugh Rice?
We are sorry for your loss.
Help others honor Ronald's memory.
Email
Print
Copy
Services
Crematory Service
Time: TBD to TBD
© 2024 Haught Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility