Posted by Eric Robyn on September 2, 2008:

Eulogy for William J. Rice, Colonel, USA (Ret) (3 July 1947 – 16 June 2008) Delivered at his Memorial Service Holy Trinity Church, Peachtree City, GA 20 June 2008 How do you start and what do you say about a friend who has been closer than a brother, and whom you’ve known for over 50 years? Bill Rice leaves us with much to remember … and much to be thankful for. There are so many memories … I first met Bill over 50 years ago on the basketball court in St Louis, MO, where our grade school teams played each other. I don’t know who won, but I liked him right away. Imagine my surprise when in 1965, I saw my old friend getting a Plebe haircut in the Cadet Barbershop and learned we were West Point classmates, then graduating 39 years ago 4 June 1969! Although we both chose to be Field Artillerymen, the Army had different plans for our early assignments. I went off to Vietnam and Bill headed to VII Corps Artillery in Ansbach, Germany. When I arrived in Ansbach in 1971 with Sally & 8 month old Paul (now MAJ Paul, USMA ’92), it was Bill Rice who met us and oriented us to our new life. Our car was not due to arrive for at least another month and Bill generously gave us his car as he headed off to a place that would become a regular feature of his Army life: Grafenwoehr. We served together in the 210th FA Group, first at Ansbach, then in Herzo Base. I was the Brigade S-2 briefly and found myself in a major crisis: a missing a 1 page Confidential document (actually an onion-skin copy - number 7 of 8 copies). Bill stood by me and we spent countless hours and lots of sweat searching everywhere in the headquarters for that flimsy page. I thought it was the end of my career, but Bill would have continued searching forever with me, I have no doubt! By the way, it did mysteriously show up after an extensive investigation. We both took command of FA batteries about the same time – as brand new captains, with only 2 years service! Bill headed to Augsburg and I stayed in Herzo Base. It was a tough time for the Army, with all the drugs, racial problems, a Military Justice system desperately needing reform, and the cultural malaise of the 60s still hanging over us. Bill experienced more major challenges than any commander I knew at that time and he overcame them all with his integrity intact. We next lived with Bill & Suzanne at Ft Sill during the FA Officers’ Advanced Course, 1974-75. Sally & Suzanne formed a Gourmet Dinner Club, and we have a few with us today who were part of that group. Bill & I played some golf together as we enjoyed the first real break from over 5 years of fairly stressful years overseas. And then back at West Point, 1977-1979, Bill was assigned as a “P” in the Math Dept, and I was a Tac. Bill & Suzanne moved in next door in the old Grey Ghost quarters (we fondly called the “rabbit hutches”). Our upstairs bathrooms shared a paper-thin wall through which Lesley and Jed talked to each other during evening baths! Back in Europe, 1983-1987, while we lived first at SHAPE in Mons, Belgium, and then in Augsburg, we visited the Rice family a few times in their German quarters, usually spending time with Suzanne and the girls because Bill was deployed … as usual! Sally & I will never forget the late evening call from Bill & Suzanne (while we were both battalion commanders, we at Ft. Sill and the Rices at Ft. Lewis), to announce they were expecting #3, who turned out to be Christopher! Here we were beginning to empty the nest with one enroute to West Point, and the Rices were starting over! What a special joy it was to know Christopher was soon to arrive and what a blessing he is still is today, as a cadet in the Class of 2010. And, of course, all the visits we have made to the Peachtree City home since their move in early 1990s, often while I was TDY to or through Atlanta. So many times Sally & I have been blessed by the warm hospitality and wonderful home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by Suzanne and Bill. I’ve lost count! Sally & I are so happy we were able to be with Bill & Suzanne and Christopher just this past Sunday, 8 June, when we enjoyed another wonderful dinner and rich fellowship. All these are wonderful memories. But what lies under and behind what we saw, knew, and remember about Bill Rice? To me, it is his character. As Hereclitus, the Greek philosopher, said so well, “Character is destiny … Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed …” We all know that you “Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.” Bill Rice lived out what he believed. He understood what is right, true, and beautiful, and lived his life in view of these eternal truths. Bill epitomized character to me. In the Classical sense, he possessed the 4 cardinal virtues in abundance: Wisdom (Prudence), Justice / Courage / Temperance, as well as the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. As a soldier, officer, and leader, he exemplified the West Point ideal of Duty, Honor, Country. He was truly a man I deeply respected, and in whose presence I was always challenged to think and to act with the ultimate goal in mind: living a life that matters and leaving an eternal legacy. The Scriptures sum it up well: “But the noble man devises noble plans and by noble plans he stands.” (IS 32:8). Bill Rice stood … and still stands … as a noble man of godly character. His legacy is secure. How shall we remember Bill? Let me share how I will remember my dear friend: As a man of Commitment, Humility, Integrity, and Perseverance. Commitment: To his Faith, his Family, his Friends, and to his Duty, whether military or civilian, personal or public. Bill sought - and achieved - excellence in all he did. He set the standard! Humility: He never sought the spotlight himself. He was always pleased to see good being done and others being recognized. He believed, as did President Ronald Reagan, that “There is no limit to what a man can accomplish if he does not care who gets the credit.” Integrity: Wholeness of being. He was always the same man at home as in uniform, or at the office, or in private with friends. He always chose the harder right and not the easier wrong. Perseverance: Commitment, humility, and integrity alone do not “get it done!” Bill understood that nothing good can result without perseverance … and discipline. And Bill was disciplined! Bill was mentally and physically tough and disciplined. Through pain, disappointment, injustice, and hard work, Bill steeled himself and persevered to successful accomplishment in all he undertook. And so this is how I will remember Bill Rice: a man of Commitment, Humility, Integrity, and Perseverance. Just a word to those closest to Bill. Suzanne, his dearly loved friend and wife of 36 years. This marriage was made in heaven and has encouraged and inspired Sally & me, as well as all who know you. You & Bill exemplify what makes America great: doing what is right consistently and standing firm especially when it’s tough. Lesley, Meredith, and Christopher: Your father loved each of you more than you know and was proud of you and all you are accomplishing. I know he will continue to look on each of you as your lives unfold and bear witness to the legacy you inherited. As a husband, father, son, brother, soldier, leader, and friend, Bill lived out his calling faithfully and honorably. I have no doubt Bill has already heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of your Master.” (MT 25:21) I thank the Lord for giving us Bill Rice and I look forward to being reunited with my dear friend in the new Heaven and earth the Lord promises to those who trust and follow Him. May the Lord bless and keep you, Suzanne, Lesley, Meredith, and Christopher … and all the Rice family. A Classmate & Friend - Colonel Eric W. Robyn, USA (Retired) OCF Field Staff Representative, Southeast USA 1 Brightside Lane, Savannah, GA 31411 912-598-1616 / ericrobyn@comcast.net

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