Major Dr. Bennie Rice Jr., U.S. Army-retired, age 68, passed away Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas.

He was born on Feb. 15, 1944 in Richmond, Va. Bennie became a doctor of veterinary medicine. Upon retirement from the Army, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture where he also retired.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Sgt. Edward W. Rice, U.S. Army. Survivors include his mother, Mary Sue King; father, Bennie Rice Sr. and step-mother, Essie Mae Rice; brothers, Ronald L. Rice and wife Shirley N. Rice, Joseph G. Rice Sr. and wife Lenora Rice, Benjamin Rice, and Alton Brown; sisters, Renee Rice, Cassandra Rice, and Sharon Rice; and other loving family members.

Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at St. Helena’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Leo Dolan as celebrant. Interment with full Army honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.