John Merlin Rice

   John Merlin Rice, 85, of 215 Rivers Edge Lane, Edenton, NC, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017, in Chowan River Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

   Mr. Rice was born in South Bend, Indiana, on April 16, 1932, and was the son of the late Merlin and Margaret Rice.  Retired from the United States Navy as a Boiler Tender Chief (E-8), he served for 20 years, and was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  After his military career, he worked as Plant Superintendent with Virginia Natural Gas (later Columbia Natural Gas), before receiving training and licensure to do contract work as a long distance truck driver.  A member of First Presbyterian Church of Edenton, he also had enjoyed membership in the Edward G. Bond Post 40 of The American Legion.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Ann Rice.

   Surviving are his wife of 11 years, Dorothy Lee Spruill Rice; and his son, Paul Joseph Rice of Virginia Beach, VA.  Also surviving are Dorothy’s daughters, Doris Berryman and Lawonda Jennings, both of Hobbsville, and their families.

   Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and will be conducted by his pastor, The Rev. Thomas Wilson.  Burial with military honors will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery.  Friends may join the family Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home, and other times at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34232.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.