James Lester Rice

On Friday, Nov 10th our father James Lester Rice was called to his heavenly home in the early morning hours. He was born Nov 6th, 1931 in Avella, Pa. Dad served in the Ohio National Army Guard in the 989th Field Auxiliary Battalion in the Korean War from 1950-1952 where he was awarded 2 bronze stars. He returned to Canton where he lived with his beloved Aunt Pearl and Uncle Bill Jozwiakowski until he enlisted in the United States Airforce in the 1000 5th OSI Group in Sept of 1952 until he retired at the rank of Master Sergeant in Aug of 1971. He continued his service in the United States Postal Office as a Maintenance Supervisor retiring in 1992. Dad continued until he passed to always be of service to others and giving and never asking for anything. Our father taught us girls so many lessons through the years as we traveled and lived the military life. He helped us to become the independent women that we are today. Our love for Dad is never ending and we are so thankful for all the memories he gave us to hold onto. As he said often “we would always be his little girls in his eyes”.

Preceding in death is our mother Patricia A. Rice, wife Lauretta (Morris) Buchanan, special friend Lois Cowden, his Father Melvin J. Rice and brother Melvin (Uncle Babe) & Aunt Barb Rice and 3 little angel greatchildren.

Surviving is his daughter Charlotte A. and son-in-law Frank Ranalli Jr., daughter Catherine J. Abel, daughter Christine M. Rice.

Grandchildren - Frank G. & Angel (Ruhl) Ranalli, Samuel J. & Lisa (Curran) Ranalli, Anthony M. Ranalli, Domenic V. & Natalia (Domino) Ranalli, Antonina P. Ranalli, Angela (Abel) & Brian Moriarty, Casey (Abel) & Jeff Horn, Michelle (Abel) & Steven Walker, and 14 Great-grandchildren.

Surviving are the children of his beloved late wife, Lauretta (Morris) Buchanan whom he loved as their Pappy. Robert & Toni (Coll) Buchanan, Brenda (Buchanan) & John Koci and John & Susan (Stallings) Buchanan.

Grandchildren - Robert & Monica Buchanan, Samantha (Koci) & Rob Russi, John Koci Jr., Travis Koci, Katie (Buchanan) & David Bartholomew, Laura (Buchanan) & James Patrizi, Patrick Buchanan, and 7 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his beloved brother Milton J. & sister-in-law Linda (Daughtery) Rice, brother Edward J. Rice and sister Mrs. Carl (Flora) (Aunt Sissy) Allabech.

Private Family Service will be held on Friday, Nov 17th at Rossi Family Funeral Home and burial with full Military Honors will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio per our father’s wishes.

In Lieu of flowers you can make a donation to help our veterans in his name to:

The S.A.M. Center (Serving Area Military)

413 Lincoln Way E

Massillon, OH. 44646

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