On his 77th birthday, Oliver (Ray) Rice was called from his earthly existence by his Heavenly Father.

He was the husband of Betty Landis Rice for 54 years.

Mr. Rice was born July 8, 1933, in Covington, Virginia, a son of the late William Lee Rice and Nellie Rea Rice.

He retired from Westvaco, where he worked as a shift supervisor in recovery.

Mr. Rice was a member of Faith Baptist Church.

He was a combat veteran of the Korean War, serving his country in the U.S. Navy as an underwater-demolition diver. He was a life member of Curtis A. Smith Post No. 1033, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served the VFW Post is a number of positions and was post commander of the post. Ray enjoyed the outdoors, playing golf and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Betty Landis Rice, he is survived by a son, Kenneth Wayne Rice and wife, Tammy, of Covington; two daughters, Cynthia Leigh Rice and husband, James Nichols, of Salem, and Christy Renee Rice Southall and husband, Dewey, of Covington; grandchildren, Brooke Jackson, Kaitlyne Jackson, Taryn Southall, Wendy Rice, Brandon Rice, Matt Smith and wife, Teresa Smith, Brittany Southall and Chynna Southall; great-granddaughter, Halee Puffenbarger; two brothers, William Darfow Rice of Covington and Hiawatha Ward Rice of Crawley, W.Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rice was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Lee Rice.

A graveside funeral service was conducted in Alleghany Memorial Park with the Rev. Chris Chesley officiating.

Entombment was in Alleghany Memorial Park Mausoleum. Graveside rites were conducted by Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 of the VFW.

Those wishing to send condolences online, visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.