Posted by Dale Smith on March 31, 2010:

I knew Bill for 43 years and have been blessed by his friendship. I hope to make a few comments to commemorate and celebrate Bill's life. Bill was a part of two wonderful families. He, along with Phyllis and Richard, grew up in a home environment that was loving and caring. His parents encouraged and supported his development physically, academically, and morally. I visited their home twice, met his parents, his brother and sister and enjoyed their generous hospitality, but that is not how I know those things. I know those things because the young man I grew to know so well in 1966 and 1967, when Bill, Jim Russell, and I roomed together, was a gifted athlete and a talented student. He was a fierce competitor. He had a strong sense of his roots and was proud of them. Bill had a clear understanding of right and wrong, and in the words of one of Bill's A-2 plebe roommates at West Point, Steve Anthony, "Bill did not need instruction in honor, he knew all that before he came". In the many years of our acquaintance, I never observed, or heard about, anything Bill Rice did for which he should be ashamed. Bill and Suzanne endeavored to provide that type of home for their children. They also understood that other groups would help to mold their children, and they worked to ensure those groups were strong and supportive. They gave time and effort to the scouts, the school groups, the independent sports leagues, the church, and others to make that so. They have been rewarded with three kind, able, talented and independent young adults. Bill was rightfully recognized by his classmates and others as a leader. H e was a cadet company commander. But more importantly, he served the Army and the nation ably and with dedication for 26 years. He was commissioned in the Field Artillery. He was a junior officer in Europe when racial problems and drug usage were a tremendous challenge. Half of his unit's guns were in administrative storage because of a shortage of people. He followed that with a tour in Korea. Then, he attended the career course. He went to Washington University in St. Louis and earned his masters degree in preparation for teaching at West Point. He joined the Department of Mathematics, and taught for four years. Other assignments included another tour in Germany, CSGC, teaching at S-cubed, battalion command at Ft Lewis, and various staff assignments. In each of these jobs, he was responsible, dedicated, and concerned for the mission and the men. After retirement, Bill remained concerned about the Army, its future, and the strain on the system caused by too few spread too thin. Of course, he continued to work. Most of his work was in support of the Army. His last job, as I understand, was as part of a team consulting to the CDC on command, control, and procedures for emergency response. Wherever Bill was involved, he felt responsible and was faithful to his task. For these things it should be said "your course is run, well done" I will celebrate the other side of Bill as well: The intramural football and basketball player The one who enjoyed football trips, NIT trips, and a game in Yankee stadium The plebe boxer who won by a knockout The teller of stories about Baker, Ken, Jeff, and Bart in St Louis. The roommate worthy of the name The man who learned to cook well and shared his hospitality A guy who cocked his head and said "we'll see" The man who learned woodworking at the hand of MAJ Walt Perry, and later had his own workshop to enjoy his craft The one with whom it was fun to share a leave The team of Heuvos and Arroz that lifted the spirits of the math instructors for the third class The dedicated swimmer after his knees could no longer stand the strain of running The carpooler The golfer The guy who loved and cared for his car The fellow who saw the sights in Europe The audacious fellow who sent his daughters to German school The man who enjoyed the J-boat rides on the Hudson River with family and friends. The man that remained a friend in good times and in bad The one that travelled to see old friends The man who warranted an eloquent and stirring eulogy by Eric Robyn The man who sought out the burial site on the Normandy beach of the uncle for whom he was named and wrote a profound and poignant description of that experience for his children The man who met, married, and loved a wonderful woman For Bill, I say "well lived" old friend

admin