Born to Alonzo Rice & Betrice Armour on January 15, 1934 in Matawan, NJ. In later years moving to Newark, NJ where he accepted Christ and was Baptized in the Holy waters of Metropolitan Baptist Church. Major grew up into a young man known to his family as ‘Brother’. Raised by his Father Alonzo & Stepmother Eura Mae, mentored by his Uncle Goolie.
Major attended school at Charlton, in Newark, NJ until 1952 when he made the decision to join the United States Air force at the age of 18 where he served for 23 years. During this time he married his first wife Ernestine Brown to whom one son Brian was born. Major became the father of one daughter Robin, and two other sons Christopher and Derrick. Major traveled the world where he specialized as a Radar Technician Superintendent. Served as a Korean and Viet Nam War veteran, receiving the Bronze Star. Major retired as a Master Sergeant September 1, 1974 from the United States Air Force.
Moving to Irvington, New Jersey to spend his later years he continued his Education attending The Cittone Institute completing a course in Electronic Computer Technology. He went on receive a certificate from the International Correspondence School in May of 1989. He also studied at the Essex County College. Employed by HRSC Co. as an electronic test supervisor and a bus driver for New Jersey Transit.
In April of 1994 he met his second wife Eleanor McMillian Petty whom he Married July 1999. He spent his retirement years with family and friends enjoying the outdoors and his dogs. An avid sports fan, Major loved relaxing in his recliner and watching TV.
Major was predeceased by his parents Alonzo Rice, Beatrice Armour Ramsey, Stepmother Eura Mae Rice, Daughter Robin Rice, Sister Catherine Rice Kendrick, Brother Alonzo Jerome Rice Jr, special niece Gail Kendrick Holiday. Niece Karen Bryant
Major is survived by, his wife Eleanor L. Rice, Son Brian M. Rice, his children; Mitchell, Matthew, Khai, Khali & Nia, Son Derrick Rowland his children; Morgan, Madison, McKenzie, Merrick & Derrick Jr. A great grandson Thriston. Son Christopher Brackett (Phyllis Woods & Sonia Brackett) his son Christopher Brackett Jr. (Tamara), great grandsons Christopher James, Jahvon and great granddaughter Christiana, & Fernando. His Aunt Elizabeth Rice and Family, Niece Sharon Simpkins, Great Niece Mtani Holiday, Great Nephew Ulysses Simpkins (Aey) Natenapa, Catherine Joshua and great nephew John Simpkins. Annette Williams & family, the Children of his Brother Alonzo Jerome Rice Jr. and a wealth of family and friends who will all cherish his memory.
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