RALEIGH COUNTY, West Virginia (WOWK) – A native of West Virginia and author of “Randolph 200: A Bicentennial History of Randolph County, West Virginia” and “Elkins Centennial Album” Donald Rice passed away July 3, 2021 at Davis Elkins Medical Center. He was 92 years old.

Rice was born in Bridgeport, West Virginia, on May 26, 1929. He graduated from Elkin High School in 1947, where he was president of his senior class. He then received a football scholarship to Davis and Elkins College. He received a degree in political science and economics from Davis and Elkins in 1951, followed by a master’s degree in political science from the University of West Virginia.

Rice was a teacher at Durbin School in Pocahontas County and Elkins High School, and was principal of Harman School. He retired in 1987 as assistant superintendent of schools in Randolph County. He also retired from the West Virginia Army National Guard with over 20 years of service, nine of which were full-time. Rice reached the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG) but officially retired as a First Class Sergeant (SFC).

Rice was married to Carolyn Canfield Rice, his wife of 68 years. She and their three children, Lynne Petrosky of Buckhannon, WV, Tom Rice, Xenia, OH and Donna McClung of Sissonville, WV, survive her.

Rice has published several books on the history of the area, including “Randolph 200: A Bicentennial History of Randolph County, West Virginia” and “Elkins Centennial Album”. He is also the author of several articles for “The West Virginia Encyclopedia” and “Goldenseal” magazine in West Virginia.