JOHN FRANKLIN RICE
John Franklin Rice, 80, parents John L. Rice from Montana and Inez E. Potter from S. Dakota, was born on December 12, 1941 in Oakland, Ca. entered into his Heavenly home on May 31st at home, with his family by his side.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of 39 years. His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Sally Mettler (Bernie) and family of Lodi, his brother Don T. Rice (Phyllis) and family of Rapid City, S D, sons James (Jim) Rice, of Tracy and Michael Allen Marshall (Stephanie) and family in Stockton, daughters, Peggy A. Rice, Rosales (Robert) and family of Lockeford and Michelle Marie Marshall (Pat) and family of Arkansas. 14 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren filled his life with love and joy. They will have a lot of fond memories of their Grandpa. He had many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His smiling face and bear hugs will be missed by all.
At 2 years of age his Dad moved them into a brand new home in San Leandro. He lived there all during his school years. As a young boy in the Bay Area, he loved fishing, hunting and sports.He attended McKinley Elementary, Bancroft Jr High, John Muir Jr High, San Leandro High School.
He was an entrepreneur even before it was popular. John would rotor till
properties to earn money. He had 2 paper routes, San Leandro Morning news and after school the Oakland Tribune until his tenth grade. His mom made him clothes that impressed everyone.
At San Leandro High School he excelled in football, swimming, wrestling,
Judo at Dojo Takamoto’s, and archery. At the San Leandro Boys Club he learned boxing and Judo. He and his mother raised rabbits and chickens. After High School, he joined the US Army. His basic training was at Fort Ord, Ca. and Fort Bragg, NC. for training. He spent the rest of his tour of duty in Germany.
After returning home he had to start all over. He had training as a Machinist/ Millwright, with all of his skills he easily found work.
He married Dolly and had a son, Jim and a daughter, Peggy, also stepchildren Renee and Mike LaCrone. They lived in the Bay Area as well as spent time in Rapid City, SD. but finally settled here in Lodi, CA. He applied at Campbell Soup, in Sacramento, and got the job. He was part of the Maintenance Crew on graveyard.
He found himself single and he helped raise the children. He attended Berea Baptist Church in Stockton, and made close friends. He helped with Vacation Bible School and that’s where he met Barbara, her children, Michael and Michelle. They became friends and spent time together. He proposed and they married the next year.
He had a well drilling business, and raised cattle and hay with his friend Bob Freeman.He worked hard to provide for his family.
John became a Deacon at Berea Baptist and loved helping people through the Benevolence Program. John became a Christian when he was a young man. John never met a stranger, he always made you feel at home.
He became a Master Mason, a member of Morning Star Lodge #19, Scottish Rite in Stockton. He joined the Order of the Amaranth and served as Royal Patron with Barbara.
John retired from Campbell Soup after 25 years. He then worked for Bear Creek Winery for a few years. He enjoyed retirement. Fishing and creating new things made him happy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Berea Baptist Church Building or Benevolence Fund.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.