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