Colonel Terry Lee Rice, who lived large and called the world “my oyster,” came from a small coal mining town in Southern Illinois. He was born in Herrin, IL on May 19, 1947 to Albina and John Rice. Terry graduated from Zeigler-Royalton High School in 1965, where he was valedictorian, student body and student council president, National Honor Society president, captain of the basketball team, and an all-conference football fullback.
In Legacy, Terry referred to West Point as “my godsend.” He reflects, “West Point, seemingly a miracle to me, opened up opportunities that otherwise would have been impossible.” Little did he know when he passed through Thayer Gate in July 1965, he was on a path that would eventually take him to seven continents and seven Wonders of the World.
Terry’s F-3 roommates remember him putting his all into whatever he did. Tom Hendrickson fondly recalls the “Terry Lights” requirement to dim his desk light after 2230 hours, so others could sleep while he studied. The 1969 Howitzer chronicles, “Those reveilles that saw Terry fully clothed, sound asleep, lights still on, and Russian book in hand are legendary.” Terry’s hard work paid off with the dean’s list, and at branch selection, his first choice the Army Corps of Engineers.
Terry graduated in 1969 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Engineers branch. He married Diane Hicks and headed to Fort Benning, GA to earn his wings at Airborne and Ranger schools. His first assignment was the 293rd Engineer Battalion in Baumholder, Germany. Terry’s 29 years in the Army Corps included over 16 in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America, most accompanied by his wife and three daughters: Karie, Casey, and Kelly. Terry commanded units from platoon through brigade level. As a commander and staff officer, he managed hundreds of projects in over 25 countries. Terry served in the U.S. Embassies in Niamey, Niger and Rabat, Morocco. He worked three years for the U.S. Agency of International Development and the Niger Basin Authority.
During a stint Stateside, 1975-82, Terry received a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1977 and, while teaching at West Point, a Doctor of Philosophy in Water Resources Engineering from Colorado State University in 1981. Terry’s military education included the Command and General Staff College (honor graduate) and the War College as a fellow at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and a recognized specialist of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Promoted to colonel in 1991, Terry’s final assignment was commander of the Jacksonville District. There he had civil works, military construction, emergency management, regulatory, and real estate responsibilities for Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the nations of the Caribbean. Everglades restoration was his greatest challenge. At the end of his tenure, diverse interests working on the project pushed to extend his tour of duty an extra year. A 1997 Miami Herald editorial observed, “Colonel Rice has been a patient, objective listener, working studiously with multiple interests and displaying respect for the complexity of Everglades issues and the need to make the bold decision, defend it, and move forward.” Congressman Peter Deutsch stated in the Congressional Record, “…Colonel Rice is best remembered for his commitment to the Florida Everglades and the partnerships he developed toward restoring this priceless national treasure.”
In 1998, Colonel Rice retired from the military. He and Diane parted ways. Terry became a member of the Southeast Environmental Research Center at Florida International University, and via TLRice LLC, a civil and environmental engineering consultant with clients nationally and internationally. He served almost five years with SAIC and over four years as a VP for Blasland, Bouck, & Lee, Inc. A consultant to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians who live in the Florida Everglades, he represented them on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group for 13 years. With their permission, Terry married his raison d’etre Joette Lorion in the Tribal Everglades on January 26, 2000.
Colonel Rice’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service Medal (five oak leaf clusters). His efforts to restore the Everglades received special recognition from state, federal, and non-governmental organizations. Vice President Al Gore’s tribute stated: “I salute your truly outstanding work on behalf of one of the nation’s greatest treasures, the Florida Everglades.”
A natural leader, Terry relished a challenge. Whether it was a leading role in constructing a C-130 airfield in a remote part of the Sahara Desert at Dirkou, or the American International School in Niamey, he got the job done. Lifelong friend Tom Vaughn, sister Judy Cook, and brother and West Point graduate John Rice, remember him as a man of action and total dedication. An adoring father and grandfather, his children and grandchildren hold dear his sound guidance, corny jokes, scrambled eggs, and fishing on his boat. A loyal Cardinals fan and friend, he loved travelling the globe. The world truly became Terry’s oyster. He explored all seven continents and, with his soul and travel mate Joette, visited all seven Wonders of the World.
Colonel Terry L. Rice, soldier-engineer-diplomat, passed away at age 73 in Stuart, FL on September 30, 2020 after a courageous battle with myelofibrosis. Above all, he will be remembered for always standing up for what was right, no matter the consequences. He steadfastly chose “the harder right instead of the easier wrong” and was never “content with a half truth when the whole” could “be won.” The world is a better place because of his passion to serve and willingness to take on the most daunting challenges. It may now be said, Colonel Rice: “Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”
— Joette Rice and Thomas Hendrickson, friend and classmate