PLATTSBURGH — Samuel W. Rice III, 87, of Meadowbrook Healthcare and formerly of Chazy, was called home on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at the CVPH Medical Center. The good Lord has called Sam, "Papa" to be with the love of his life, Jeannine, "Nana".
He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on July 11, 1925, the son of Samuel W. II and Violet (McElligott) Rice.
Sam was a graduate of Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio and later graduated from the Western Pennsylvania Horological Institute in Pittsburgh, Pa.
A veteran of WWII, Sam served with the 15th Army Air Corps in Foggia, Italy. He flew 33 missions over Europe as a gunner on B-17's.
After returning home, Sam married the former Jeannine Beaulieu on Dec. 27, 1947 in St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh. Jeannine died on May 18, 2006.
Sam owned and operated Rice's Gulf Service Station in Chazy for over 15 years, He also operated a brokerage service at the US/Canadian border in Champlain. His final endeavor was as a crossing guard at Chazy Central Rural School.
Sam was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Chazy, a charter member of the Chazy Lions Club, longtime member of the North Country Golf Club, member of the Plattsburgh Elks Lodge, 621 and the Russell B. Childs American Legion Post #769 in Chazy.
Survivors include six children, Eileen Rice Walker and her husband, Roger Bartlett of Albany, Barbara and Kevin Mulligan of Chazy, Nicole Pierce of Plattsburgh, Thomas E. Rice of Clifton Park, James and Penny Rice of North Augusta, S.C. and John Rice of Plattsburgh; 13 grandchildren, Sean Mulligan, Tim Mulligan, Katie Abbott, Jenny Rice, Julie Rice, Kristen Nielsen, Eric Rice, Jillian Pierce, Alex Pierce, James Rice, Casey Rice, Ashley Rice and Ryan Rice; nine great-grandchil dren; and special friends, "skipbo" card partners, Lorna and Rose.
Sam is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Jeannine; a son, Samuel R. Rice; his brother, William Rice; and sisters, Beverly Northrup and Barbara Stegner.
Sam's family would like to thank the 3rd Floor Staff at Meadowbrook who so lovingly cared for Papa for the past two years.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 6 pm on Monday at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the CVPH Foundation, 75 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Arrangements are in the care of the R. W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh. Online condolences may be made to www.r wwalkerfh.com
