Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Holt Rice, Sr.

Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Holt Rice, Sr., passed away at age 90 peacefully at his home in Prince George County, Virginia, on December 3, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen W. Rice; his sister, Mary E. Arnold; and his brother, Dr. David B. Rice. He is survived by his children, Dr. Benjamin H. Rice Jr., Dr. Ann C. Rice, Blair R. Anderson (Robert Samuel), Jonathan H. Rice, and his honorary son, Jerry Houpe; three grandchildren, Dr. Sara Ruth Driskell, Robert Samuel Anderson II, and Rachel Blair Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Ben was born August 24th, 1934, to the late Dr. Benjamin Alonzo Rice and Katherine E. Rice in Forrest, Virginia. He was later raised in Alexandria, Virginia, where he played football for Mt. Vernon High School and graduated in 1953. Ben continued his studies at the University of Virginia (UVA) where he also continued to play football.

After graduation from UVA, he pursued a medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia. After medical school, he began his surgical residency at the Miners Hospital in Beckley, West Virginia. Before finishing his residency, he was drafted into the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division and sent to Vietnam. Ben served 2 years in the US Army as a trauma surgeon and ultimately finished his surgical residency at Womack Army Hospital in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he received a Certificate of Achievement in surgery.

Upon returning from his military service Ben started his surgical practice in Petersburg, Virginia, and worked there until his retirement after 30 years providing unwavering dedication, kindness and compassion to all of his patients.

Ben is remembered for his ever present sense of humor and his never ending generosity. In his spare time, Ben enjoyed running, gardening, camping, and attending Covenant Presbyterian Church. He also cherished his summer camping vacations spent with friends and family in Botetourt, Virginia. As a dedicated supporter of UVA Athletics, Ben attended countless football and basketball games to cheer on his beloved Cavaliers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 201 Walnut Blvd, Petersburg, VA 23805. Inurnment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church.