ACKERMAN — Robert Elston Rice Sr. died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Kosciusko.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lillian Grey Fowler Rice.

He is survived by two sons, Robert Elston Rice Jr. of Starkville, and George Fowler Rice of Arlington, Texas; three grandchildren, Rini Roscoe, Dale Rice, and Elizabeth Rice; four great-grandchildren, Trent Roscoe, Drex Roscoe, Logan Roscoe, and Jini Alexis Roscoe; and extended family members and friends.

Mr. Rice was born July 16, 1919, in Rogersville, Ala., to Robert Lee and Lizzie Neter White Grisham Rice. He married Lillian on Nov. 6, 1943.

He fought in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters in World War II, and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1948 with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. He spent much of his career working flood control along the Mississippi River with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg.

Mr. Rice was active in church, and was a charter member of the Methodist Protestant Church in Vicksburg. He also served as scoutmaster to Boy Scout Troop 107 for many years, seeing both of his sons attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Rice retired in 1979, and they moved to Starkville in 1998 to be closer to family and their beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs. After Mrs. Rice was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he cared for her at their home until her death in April 2007.

Services were 10 a.m. today, Sept. 17, 2014, at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, with the Rev. LaDon Dawson officiating. Interment was at Adaton United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to French Camp Academy or Palmer Home for Children are appreciated.

Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman is in charge of all arrangements. To sign the guest registry, visit www.colemanfuneral.com.