EMERSON ‘SLIM’ W. RICE JR.

SULLIVAN – Emerson “Slim” W. Rice Jr., 85, went peacefully home to be with his Lord, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008. He was born Nov. 21, 1922, in Gouldsboro, son of the late Emerson W. and Rosalie A. (Bickford) Rice Sr. Slim was a U.S. veteran serving his country honorably during World War II in the Army, serving in Africa and Europe. After his discharge from the service, he married Ethel S. Farrin, the love of his life. They shared 60 years together. He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. Slim worked as a fisherman. He and his dad did wooden boat repairs and boat building. Later he retired from Webber Energy-Hancock Division, where he was a delivery/serviceman. Slim enjoyed making wreaths, mechanic work, playing the harmonica, whistling and yodeling. He and his wife, Ethel, danced every Saturday night at various halls. He was the former master of John Dority Grange No. 381 of Sullivan for years. He taught Sunday school, enjoyed making lawn ornaments and whittling little boats for family and friends. Family members include a daughter, Valerie Rice of Sullivan and special friend, Michael Griffin, of Bangor; a son, Dennis Rice and his wife, Barbara Ann, of Sullivan; six grandchildren, Russell and his wife, Rita, Nanette and husband, Ronald, Yvette, Tamara and husband, Doug, Florence and friend, Paul, and Jessica and her friend, Brad; 12 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Elizabeth and Roger, Jacob, Jan Marie, Jennifer and her husband, Shawn, Noel, Rebecca, Richard, Ozzie, Izabelle and Liam; and his four great-great- grandchildren, Mackenzie, Rikki, Zoie and Shey; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife; a brother; sisters; granddaughter, Tammy Lynn; and great-grandson, Caleb. A service of remembrance will be celebrated 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Ashville Community Church, Sullivan. Gifts in memory of Emerson may be sent to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 445, Ellsworth, ME 04605 to help defray funeral expenses. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth. www.bragdonkelley.com