Saturday, November 22, 2008

remembering Mark Rice

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Approximately 8 fire trucks from the Charlotte Fire Dept led the processional to the graveside service.

The funeral service for my cousin Mark Rice was on Friday. It was a celebration of his life and even though we cried a lot, mom and I were honored to be there for this day. The best word to describe the service would be amazing. I have never been to a funeral quite like this one. Mark was a member of the Charlotte Fire Dept and it was truly amazing to see the display of support the firemen gave their "brother" as over 100 firemen walked in to take their seat for the funeral. Then after the family was seated, the Charlotte Fire Dept Pipe Band marched in to begin the service. There were about 10 bagpipers and 8 drummers and they were dressed in Scottish kilts. They played "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" and ended with "Amazing Grace" before marching back out. It was like a scene from a movie, only this was real life. A wave of emotion swept over the audience.

As the two Pastors and the Fire Dept Chaplain spoke to the congregation, it was apparent that they too were moved with emotion this day. It was a sad but happy day as we recognize Mark is now home with God, no more suffering and pain. Mark's Pastor mentioned that the last words from Mark were written on a white board because he could not talk during his last three weeks, "I have never turned my back on Jesus Christ." Mark had also told his mother last week to quit worrying about him and "keep her focus on Jesus." Even in his last days, he was trying to encourage others. The music was very appropriate for the service. I do not know if Mark chose the songs or not. The soloist sang "I Bowed on my Knees and Cried Holy." The congregation sang two hymns, "To God Be the Glory" and "It Is Well With My Soul" and the soloist ended with a medley of songs which included "Sweet Hour of Prayer," "I Need Thee Every Hour," and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." So fitting was this last song.

Mark's testimony was such that he spent his last few months witnessing to everyone he came into contact with. He loved the Lord and he wanted to serve the Lord with all his heart and soul. I am happy to know that Mark is in Heaven now, rejoicing with the Lord and his dad and many others that are already there.
Click to read Obituary


As we approached the entrance to Sharon Memorial Cemetery, a ladder truck was fully extended with a huge American flag.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Darrell Mark Rice (March 3, 1956 - November 17, 2008)

It was just a year ago that my Uncle Jimmy Rice died. This week we were saddened to lose another member of our family when his son, Mark Rice, died after a courageous 6 month battle with cancer. The following obit was posted at the Charlotte Observer:
Darrell Mark Rice

Mr. Rice, 52, of Charlotte, died Monday, November 17, 2008 at his home. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the Worship Center of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. A service to celebrate Mark's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2008 from the Worship Center with The Reverend Dr. Stephen N. Rummage and Reverend John Harrill officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
Mark was born March 3, 1956 in Charlotte, the son of Alva Rice of Charlotte and the late James 'Jimmy' Rice. He was a 1974 graduate of Garinger High School and a veteran of the US Navy. He was a 1984 graduate of LeTourneau College and retired as a Master Sergeant with the NC Air National Guard. Mark served as an Engineer of Engine 29 with the Charlotte Fire Department and was a longtime member of the church he loved, Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
Mark will be remembered for his love of God and as a loving husband, father, and son. He aspired to be a great father and role model for his son, Zach and he was committed to the Golden Rule of 'do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.' Mark enjoyed traveling with his wife, Karen and he looked forward to camping and spending time outdoors and playing sports with Zach. Mark never met a stranger and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his mother, Alva, Mark is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Karen Kerr Rice, their son, Zachary Luke Rice, sisters-in-law, Robin Kerr and Gail Kerr and her husband, Blaine Gregory, and two nieces, Sara Gregory and Emily Gregory, all of Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the family for Zachary Luke Rice or to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215.
Condolence to the family may be offered at www.mem.com. Arrangements by McEwen - Mint Hill Chapel.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 11/20/2008

Sunday, April 20, 2008

remembering John



This month we remember Cindy's brother John. He was born on April 20, 1960 and sadly his life was cut short by a drunk driver while working on the job in Orlando just over 2 years ago.