Rev. B. Rice II

Age 89, died June 16th 2013. Born January 5th, 1924, son of Ethel Mae Kaake Rice and Dr. Allen Buckner Rice, grandson of noted preacher M.S. Rice in Ann Arbor Michigan. Fifth generation Methodist preacher. Served Methodist Churches in Indiana, Alpena and Belleville, Michigan for 23 years. Chief Executive, CEO and Chief lobbyist of the Michigan Interfaith Council on Alcohol Problems - 1969 to 2003 (MICAP) widely known for his United Nations, New York, Washington Seminars, Leading opponent concerned with reduction of Alcohol Problems and opposition to gambling enterprises. Leader in drunk driving reduction and establishment of 21 as legal drinking age. Graduate of Crawfordsville, Ind., High School 1941 and Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind. 1948. Gained his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary 1951. Eagle Scout at 13 years, sang in Wabash college, a cross country runner. During World War II was in the 97th Infantry Division, 387th Regiment, Company M as a Reconnaissance Sargent serving in Germany and Japan in Occupation. As a result of seeing the destruction he was motivated to enter the ministry. Married Treva Marie Hesselschwerdt of Kalona, Iowa, April 24th 1946 to whom four children were born Allen B Rice III (Jan), Eric Joel (Teresa), Aleta Jane Hansen and Tamara Kay Bonning (Mark) all of Houston, Texas. He has 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Shirleyann "Shan" Wilder Rice of 40 years, brother Charles Merton Rice, step-children Beth Wilder (Becky), Jill Shafer, Dennis Wilder (Ursula). Sister, Ethel Aleen Hartill, Wilfred Eugene Rice proceeded him in death. He was President of the National Temperance and Prohibition Council for 4 years, vice President and Chaplain of the International Order of Good Templars, President of the Lansing torch Club, President of the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency, Delegate to International Torch Club Conventions, Co-Director of Michigan Impact, Board member of the National Impact addressing public issues. Sang bass in Orpheus Choral Group, Delegate to World Methodist council in Singapore 1991 and Rio DeJaneiro, Brazil in 1996. He was awarded the Bill Plymat Achievement Award by the American Council on Alcohol Problems (ACAP). In 1997 was the recipient of the Michigan Education Association David McMahon Human Right Award for excellence in the field of human rights. Following his retirement after 34 years on December 31st, 2003, his joy was travelling by car across the USA to Arizona to visit grandchildren in Texas, Washington D.C., Washington State, and Ohio. He finally made his home in Arizona. The memorial service will be held at the Peoria Good Shepherd Chapel, 10323 W. Olive Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 on June 28th at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Spirit Key, 13617 Kaltenbrun Road, Houston, Texas 77086 or www.spiritkey.org