William Rice

William Dennis Rice, age 81 of Canton, Georgia died at his home, surrounded by his loving family on August 12, 2023 after battling mesothelioma. William "Billy" Rice was born in Corona, Queens, the son of William Carr Rice and Edna Elenor Rice of Queens, New York *deceased*. Billy raised his family in Centereach, New York, and followed his daughter to live in Cumming, Georgia.



Billy Rice served his country in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Taconic from 1959 to 1963. In 1968, Billy joined the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and served at Ladder 14, Battalion 12 in Harlem, New York, attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science. Billy later worked in Fire Prevention Unit in Brooklyn, New York until his retirement from FDNY in 1989. Billy's selfless heroic efforts earned him medals of valor for his meritorious acts.



Most noted act of bravery was when Billy was being raised in the bucket of Ladder 14 to a 3rd floor window where a woman was desperately trying to escape the flames. An explosion in the apartment behind her caused her clothing to catch fire prompting her to jump. Billy was 5 feet below in the ladder and was able to risk his safety by catching the woman and lift her into the bucket to later survive her injuries. After retirement, Billy worked as a Fire Safety Consultant and eventually became a Fire Marshall for the Long Island Railroad until his second retirement.



In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Christopher William Rice and granddaughter Addison S. Rice.



Billy is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda K. Rice, his daughter, Jennifer Claire Mueller, her husband Steven James Mueller, grandchildren Ava Claire Mueller, Calvin William Rice, and Ryder Davidson Rice, sister Sharon Snyder, and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.



A humble HERO who touched more lives than he could ever know..