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W.E. Rice, 85, a loving family man and longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on June 30, 2007 at his home. Mr. Rice was born on July 12, 1921 to W.E. and Jocelyne (McKay) Rice of Red Rock, OK. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1939 and attended Oklahoma A&M University in Stillwater, OK of the same year. Mr. Rice then enrolled at UNM in 1943. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in 1947. During that time, he married the love of his life, Blanche Hall, on July 9, 1945. He was a charter member and first president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at UNM. He was a member of the Fleetmen's Club, which was founded at UNM in 1943. Mr. Rice served our country by enlisting in the US Navy Reserves at Notre Dame. Upon completion he became an Ensign and served in the 8th Company of Notre Dame. Mr. Rice was drafted by the Cardinals baseball team before serving in the Navy. He also played semi-professional baseball for the Albuquerque Dukes, was a 32nd degree Mason, and was a member or the UNM Lobo Club. He joined the Albuquerque Country Club in September 1957. He earned his private pilot's license. He was most proud of being a Registered Professional Engineer. He went to work for Lively Equipment Company in 1947 and ultimately became the president and owner of the company. He loved to golf and achieved his first hole-in-one in 1999. He was "Top Dog!" He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche, in 1997. He is survived by his three daughters, Melinda Hamilton and husband, Marvin, of Albuquerque, Cynthia Leonard and husband, Edward, of Albuquerque, and Eloise Hughes and husband, Dwight, of Los Lunas; grandchildren, Jocelyn Stoffan, Nicole Leonard , Shannon Garcia and Ryan Garcia; great-grandchildren, Lilly and Tyler Stoffan; and nephew, Dale Brown and wife, Rita. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, formerly Strong-Thorne Mortuary, at 1100 Coal Ave. SE, with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Albuquerque Country Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the NM Heart Association, 2201 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (800) 242-8721; Albuquerque Rescue Mission, 509 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 924-1311; or Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice, 8100 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 559-1122. Daniels Family Funeral Services (formerly Strong-Thorne Mortuary) 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
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