Tributes

Tyrone Anthony Rice Sr., was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 31. 1939, to the late Frank Rice Sr. and Sarah Wren. Tyrone grew up in Southwest Baltimore within the Cherry Hill community and was an altar boy and sang on the choir at St. Veronica's Catholic Church. He attended Baltimore City Public Schools and took on various jobs during his youth to support his mother and family after the passing of his father. As the baby brother of ten siblings, Tyrone's mother fondly gave him the nickname "Peter Rabbit". Over the years, his family and close friends affectionately referred to him simply as "Peter" or "Uncle Pete". In his youth, Tyrone loved to play sports and could be found most weekends playing basketball and baseball. Tyrone met Ophelia Goodman in 1963 and they married fifty-five years ago on Saturday, December 18, 1965. Tyrone prided himself as a family man and community leader serving as a mentor and head coach of the local Little League baseball team, the Westport Astros. Tyrone was the epitome of hard work and perseverance as an assembly line worker for General Motors for several years. After GM's plant closed, Tyrone worked for Johns Hopkins as a facilities engineer. He moved on and landed the distinguished rank of Supervisor and Systems General Contracting and then worked for E.I. Kane Office Relocators. He would later move on to become facilities manager for a NeighborCare Inc. and Initial Services. In 2006, Tyrone fulfilled a lifelong dream and partnered with family members to open his own facilities management business, New Legacy Enterprises. Tyrone frequently visited and worshiped at St. Martin Church of Christ for several years before officially joining the ministry in 1983 under the leadership of the late Father P.H. Franklin. On Sunday's Tyrone sang on the choir; he was fond of participating in the processional, marching and playing his maracas. He loved serving St. Martin's and could be found at the church throughout the week performing needed repairs and renovations, cleaning, and availing himself to assist the ministry in whatever capacity he was called upon. Tyrone and Ophelia consistently participated in the locally renowned St. Martin's dinner sales that raised funds for the church. Tyrone loved to have a good time and would frequent Orioles baseball games, shop at Lexington Market, host large community cookouts and holiday parties, watch Westerns and listen to his records. Those that he cared for the most were called "babe" (regardless of gender) and you knew he liked you when he joked around in your presence. Tyrone prided himself on service to others and, oftentimes, gave his last to make sure those around him were taken care of . He always stressed the importance of a strong work ethic, diligence, and excellence. Tyrone was the baby brother of eight siblings - sisters Blanche Dennis, Frida Brooks, Ann Roach, Ruth Brooks, Mary Johnson and brothers Frank Jr., and George, who proceeded him in death. Tyrone leaves to cherish his memory, his wife - Ophelia; nine children - Cornelia ("Peaches" ) Dix, Lombre Patton, Tyrone Jr., Edwin ("Big Tim"), Ronald ("Barry"), Eric, Tonya, Ty Juan and Travon: one son-in-law -Leon; one daughter-in-law - Candace; eight grandchildren - Latashi, Jermaine Sr., Edwin ("Lil Tim), Shampaign, Kelvin J., Kelly, Jordan and Jasmine; one granddaughter-in-law - Sharae; 13 great grandchildren - Cornelia, Jada, Myia, Malaiyah, Jermaine Jr., Sanaya Jamir, Kaniya, Kayla, Edwin 3rd, Shineah, Aubrey and Chloe; 2 sisters - Dora Lewis and Estella ("Minnie")Lewis, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends.

Tributes

Tyrone Anthony Rice Sr.

January 31, 1939 - October 4, 2021