Ronald Vance Rice

Ronald Vance Rice, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, in Louisville, KY, with his devoted family by his side. Born on October 9, 1936, in Brownstown, Indiana, Ronald’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and quiet steadfastness.

From his early days in Brownstown to his formative years at Salem High School, Ronald built a life grounded in the enduring values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Those principles shaped every chapter of his life, guiding his unwavering commitment to family, community, and country. He proudly served in the United States Navy during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, answering the call to duty with courage and humility. Deeply patriotic, Ronald regarded his military service as one of life's greatest honors—a quiet source of pride that inspired his family and earned the lasting respect of all who knew him.

After his military service, Ronald dedicated years specializing in electronics and went on to own his own TV repair business and then worked in logistics with a distribution center, bringing the same sense of responsibility and care to his career as he did to every aspect of his life.  But to those closest to him, Ronald’s efforts at work were matched only by his boundless devotion to family.

A loving and loyal husband, Ronald shared 70 cherished years with his wife, Wanda. Their bond was a living example of enduring partnership, one that radiated through every branch of their growing family. Ronald was a steadfast father to his son Craig and a treasured father-in-law to Kathy. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Mikey Loveless and Rachel Rice, his eyes lighting up at the sound of their laughter.

Family always came first for Ronald, and some of his proudest moments were spent simply watching it grow. Summers often brought Ronald, his children, and grandchildren together around the grill, where stories and music filled the air. Music, especially, was woven into the fabric of his days; he delighted in playing gospel and country songs on his guitar and keyboard, sharing joyful sing-alongs with his sister—Yvonne "Pat", who survive him, and Winona, who welcomed him on the other side.

Ronald’s hands were rarely still—when not making music, he found joy in woodworking, crafting clocks that now tick steadily in the homes of loved ones, tangible reminders of his creativity and care. These passions, along with a gentle kindness and honest spirit, drew people close and left a legacy of warmth, laughter, and support.

He is deeply mourned by his wife, Wanda Rice; his son, Craig Rice, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Rice; his grandson, Mikey Loveless, and granddaughter, Rachel Rice; and his sister, Yvonne "Pat" Thomas. In loving memory, he is reunited with his parents, Myrtle Blanch and George Robert Rice; his beloved children Calvin and Rhonda Rice; his brothers Jerry, John, Charles, Bill, and Robert Rice; and his sister, Winona Reed.

Ronald’s life will be celebrated during a visitation on July 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a service to follow at 3:00pm, at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN. Burial will take place on July 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1415 North Gate Road, Madison, IN.

All who were blessed to know Ronald Vance Rice will forever treasure his kindness, devotion, and the music he brought into their lives. His memory will echo in every chord played, every hour measured by his handmade clocks, and in every heartfelt story told beneath a summer sky.