Milton Paul Rice, age 97 of Nashville, TN passed away January 1, 2018. Milton was born September 30, 1920 in Florence, Alabama to Milton Paul Rice, Sr. and Ernestine Fry Rice. He attended Jackson High School and went on to Lambuth where he received a degree in history. Shortly thereafter, Milton went off to Notre Dame for 4 months of training and was commissioned as an ensign in the US Navy. Milton served 2 years in World War II aboard the USS James O’Hara taking part in amphibious landings at Sicily, Saipan, Salerno, Palau, Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima.
Milton worked for the State of TN as Sales Tax Director, Commissioner of Insurance and Banking, TN State Attorney General and TN Secretary of State. After retiring from the State, Milton served as Special Counsel for NLT. The proudest moment in his professional life was arguing and winning a case before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of the state of Tennessee.
Milton married Rebecca McDaniel in 1950 and enjoyed their 23 ½ years together before she passed away. He purchased his current home in 1952. Milton lived a life of contentment in this same home for 65 years.
Milton married Sara Batson in 1974. She brought her love for flower gardens and her delicious cooking to the marriage. He and Sara enjoyed traveling abroad, some of their favorite places being Germany and Italy. Milton and Sara were married for 36 ½ years.
Milton knew and understood the importance of church and the role it plays in life. He remained faithful to God in the United Methodist tradition all his life. Milton was a member at Calvary United Methodist Church at the time of his death.
Although Milton never had children of his own, he brought special joy into the lives of many of his nieces and nephews. He was a story teller, joke teller and one who loved to laugh. He was always one to bless you with a compliment before you left his home. He will be missed by family, in-laws and friends.
Preceded in death by parents, Milton Paul Rice, Sr. and Ernestine Fry Rice; wives, Rebecca McDaniel Rice & Sara Batson Rice; sisters, Jacqueline Rice Phillips & Dorothy Rice Ferguson. Survived by numerous nieces & nephews.
The family wishes to thank his special caretakers, Tammy Winland, Hollie Winland, Ann Jordan, Dana Jordan, Ty Johnson & Perry Stokes. Memorial service will be 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2018 with visitation two hours prior to the service at Calvary United Methodist Church, 3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 with Rev. Bryan Brooks officiating. Memorials may be made to Calvary Memorial Fund. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES< 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com
