Max E. Rice Sr.

Max E. Rice Sr., born on June 10, 1931, passed away at age 93, on his birthday, June 10, 2024, in the comfort of his home. Up until the time he passed he was surrounded by those he loved.

 Max is survived by his loving wife “Chickie” Evelyn Rice, his daughter Ann (Dick) Noble, and preceded by his son Max E. Rice Jr. Max was affectionately known as Pappap to his grandchildren: Anna Godorhazy, Alexandria (Carl) Whims, Zachary Rice and Max E. Rice III, and his great grandchildren: Autumn and Elliot.

 Max was born to the late Clifford E. Rice and Ethel L. Rice and was one of seven children growing up. He is survived by his brothers Lynn (Delores) Rice and Donald (Mary) Rice and preceded in death by his sisters Luella (Richard) Eckstine and Jane (Mel) Franek, and brothers Clifford (Ann) Rice and Richard Rice. Max was also blessed with many nieces and nephews: survived by Tommy Rice (& family), Rodney Rice (& family, Barbara (Buck) Macht (& family), Gayle (Pete) Cote (& family), George Weagley Jr., Kellan (Stephan) Smalley (& family), Kent (Dorianna) Rice, Derrick (Yvonne) Rice (& family), Kirk (Jackie) Rice (& family), and preceded by Robin Berlund (& family).

 Max lived a full and happy life. In 1949, Max graduated from Hagerstown High School where he was Senior Class President, but most importantly where he met the love of his life, Chickie (Evelyn) Rice who was an attending sophomore of Hagerstown High School. Max and Chickie’s love quickly grew from High School sweethearts to being engaged on Christmas in 1951 and finally husband and wife on September 7, 1952.

 Prior to starting college Max served in the US Army during the Korean conflict. Following his discharge he immediately enrolled in Hagerstown Junior College where he received his Associate of Arts degree.

 After Junior college, Max started his career working as an Assessor, in Washington County, Maryland then Alexandria, Virginia. During his time in Virginia, he attended the American University of Washington D.C., then transferred to Rider College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce with a Minor in Real Estate.

 Following his position in Virginia, Max started his long, accomplished career with the US Government for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), f.k.a. the US Bureau of Public Roads. During his 30 years of service, he worked in Rhode Island, New Jersey, and lastly, Ohio as Division Right-of-Way (ROW) Officer where he and his staff monitored the state’s responsibilities for the acquisition of ROW Federal Aid Facilities.

 While serving with FHWA he received several Administrator’s awards, but his most prestigious award was the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

 During Max’s career, his dedication to the FHWA didn’t compare to the commitment and love he had for his family. His family has always been the most important thing in his life. On May 5, 1955, Max and Chickie welcomed their beloved son, Max Jr. into the world. Then two years later, on November 4, they were blessed with their daughter, Ann.

 After his retirement, he continued to perform consulting work with the state of Ohio, but he enjoyed traveling across the US. Max and Chickie traveled to every state, except for Alaska, Hawaii, Montana and Washington. They visited North Carolina most often for family vacations on the beach. However, some of his most treasured moments during his retirement were when he was with his great grandchildren, Autumn and Elliot. He felt blessed to have been able to be a part of their lives.

 A Funeral Service officiated by pastor Bill Lyle will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11 AM in the Johnson-Smith Funeral Chapel, 207 S Main St., Baltimore, OH 43105. Burial will follow in Violet Cemetery, Pickerington. Family and friends may visit from 4-6 PM on Thursday, and again from 10 AM until the time of the funeral on Friday.

 Max will be greatly missed! May he rest in peace! Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.donate&eventID=529