Phillip William Rice Obituary
Phillip William Rice of Anchorage Alaska passed away Friday, July 12th, 20024, after a fierce battle with cancer at the age of 78. Phil was born September 19th, 1945, in Grand Rapids Michigan. He is survived by his daughter Kayla Reiser (Pee Cambo Chheng) and three grandchildren: Brandon Bahr, Jayde Bahr, and Larry Hawkins, of Anchorage. His sisters Diane Dillard (Kevin), Sandi White (Dan Svoboda), and Carol Ramsay, of Michigan. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grandnephews and cousins.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Phil and Lucille (Patterson) Rice, brother Jim Rice, son Jade Ruhl, grandson Jeremiah Reiser, niece Heather Rice and Arlene Reiser.
Phil was a highly decorated Special Forces Veteran. He served 14 years in the service, including three tours in Viet Nam. He was part of the elite Clandestine unit SOG, in which he fought behind enemy lines and gathered intelligence. This unit received “The
Presidential Unit Citation for Extraordinary Heroism”. Phil also received the Bronze Star, an Air Medal, and a commendation from the grateful Cambodian Government, along with many other awards and commendations during his years of service. After his miliary years, Phil worked as a master welder, mostly in Alaska.
Phils family thanks the many friends who visited him during his last difficult weeks. They would also like to express their gratitude to Oncologist Dr. Steven Liu of Anchorage Alaska, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Peter Paximadis of Michigan, the staff at Corewell Health Radiation, Anchorage Regional Hospital, Prestige Care Center and Ancora Hospice, especially hospice nurse Reuben Garcia.
Phil’s funeral and burial took place on July 18th and19th in Anchorage, Alaska. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 15th, 2024, at 1 pm at the Lake Township Park 10801 Gast Rd, Bridgman MI 49106, at the lake pavilion. Luncheon will immediately follow.
Memorial donations in Phil’s name may be made to Stevensville American Legion, 3093 Johnson Rd., Stevensville, MI 49127
Our hearts are broken, Phil will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was a
WARRIOR...a SURVIVOR. No matter what befell him, his motto always was, “Keep moving FOWARD!”
Aye. Aye. Sergeant Rice!
