Ronnie Renod Rice

Ronnie Rice made his debut into this world on June 25, 1968 to Rodger Burruss and Hattie Mae Rice in Madison, AL  Ronnie matriculated  through the public school system in Huntsville, AL. He continued his education at Northwestern University in Illinois on a football scholarship; however, due to a knee injury his freshman year he was unable to return,  He later attended Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA.

One evening four college roommates discussed after prayer meeting, that they should start praying together.  Their desire was to find a Christian man that God would approve as a suitable lifelong mate for each of them.  While searching for a fast food stop and listening to her favorite gospel CD, the driver, Katina, found herself placing a drive through order at a local McDonalds.  While focusing on her music, the Manager at the window said: can I get a copy of that CD you’re listening to?  Startled by his request, she abruptly answered: NO.  He continued the conversation until she agreed to exchange her information with this then stranger with the promise of making a copy of her favorite gospel CD for him.

Ronnie was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist Church by his Godbrother Jerome McDonald.  After discovering that the young college student he was conversing with attended First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ronnie decided to continue his walk with God at this same church on a regular basis where he could keep a close connection with her.  It was evident that he was smitten by this young college student named Katina Barnes. As their admiration for each other continued to grow, their union was sealed in marriage on March 10, 1995, in New Orleans LA. 

This marriage has been a testament of what God has joined together, no man, woman, boy or girl would be able to disrupt their bond.  Together they have been a team in raising their son, Willie.   Following the death of her sister in 2018, together they stepped up as surrogate for their nephew, Javon to work alongside with his father as caretakers.  There have been many other children during their union that have reaped the benefit of this tag team of being able to love other people’s children as if they were their own. 

Ronnie held many important roles through employment as manager of McDonalds in Huntsville, New Orleans and Texas after relocating due to Hurricane Katrina. He always had two streams of income as he wanted to give his best to his family.  He worked for many years as the Marriott Loss Prevention Officer in Huntsville, AL and later transferred to New Orleans following the death of his Father-in-law.  He continued to work as Manager at Whataburger when he fell ill in 2012.  It was then he realized he had to step down from managing in the workplace and concentrate on his health.

Even though he was disabled by normal standards, he never stopped being a part of the Rice team managing their household together.  The children and grandchildren knew that Paw Paw ruled with a strong voice but a soft spirit.  He was well known in the neighborhood, his church and contenders on facebook.  Don’t sell him short on any subject.  If you have the nerve to bring something up, he was on a mission to make sure you got the facts straight.  Anybody know about “words with friends?”  You just might rename the game “words to try and stump Ronnie”.  

He was the communicator of the family.  It was important to him that the family remained connected, even in strife. When his daughter in law, Jasmine, needed wise counsel, Ronnie was her go to person.  He became the mediator when conflict would arise, as he was the peacemaker.

Because of his health, he could no longer drive.  However, one night his wife and her sister Tonya were stranded and had no way to get home.  Tina called her husband, Ronnie, and he said talk to me while I attempt to drive the car. She reminded him that he shouldn’t drive because he was impaired.  He said I’m coming, just help me navigate over the phone.  Ronnie got in the car and with the guidance of his wife, and completed his mission of rescue.  He then told Tina I think I can continue to drive if we work on a plan with one of those self-driving vehicles.  He began to formulate a plan on how they could work in their budget a Tesla, which would allow him to be mobile.

Ronnie will long be remembered by his wife, Katina Rice, his son Willie, (Jasmine), his grandchildren,: Rylee, Jayda, Willie, Jr., Wesley and his nephew Javon.  In addition, the loss of Ronnie will be felt by his mother Hattie Mae Rice, his sisters: Shavita and Tomeka Rice, Linda Faye Erskines, his brothers: Phillips, Sr. (Cynthia), Ollie (Glory), and Anthony (Comfort).  His Godfather James Perkins, his Godbrothers: Charles (Renee'), Wayne (Cynthia), Maurice (Nikki), Jerome and Michael, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended families and friends.