By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, February 26, 2021

    4:00 to 7:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

  • Service

    Graveside Service

    Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

  • Full Obituary

    Willie Grice, 68, of Lebanon, IL, died Sunday, February 21, 2021 at St. Sophia Health & Rehabilitation Center, in Florissant, MO.

    Willie was born in Marion, SC on January 21, 1953 to Oscar and Hanna (nee Norman) Grice, Sr. On June 28, 1975, he married Janice Reed in West Point, MS.

    He retired from the Air Force in 1993, after 21 years of service, as a Master Sargent. Family was everything to him, he took care of all of his brothers and sisters and treasured his time with his wife and son.

    He was a member of “Dog Pound” and his military group of friends. He was a member of the Trenton VFW and the Superbowl group.

    Willie’s Life was interrupted with the Alzheimer’s Dementia diagnosis two and a half years ago. In true Willie fashion, he didn’t stay long in the facility he needed to be in for care, he had things to do. He never met a stranger, he loved people, and people loved him.  He loved to fish, he was “The Grill Master” for the neighborhood, and he loved to travel.

    He is survived by his wife Janice Grice; son, William (Kara) Grice, Florissant, MO; grandchildren, Kamdyn and Zuri Grice; mother-in-law, Etta Sykes, Ft. Wayne, IN; nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Hanna Grice, Sr.; brothers and sisters, Geraldine Grice in infancy, Oscar Lee Grice, Jr., Dorothy Grice, Rose Grice, Walter Grice, Robert Grice, and Hazel Grice.

    Visitation: Friday, February 26, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

    Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. C. Wilson / February 23, 2021 at 11:08 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with the GRICE FAMILY in their time of grief.

  2. Mary / February 23, 2021 at 11:51 am

    We are so sorry, he will always be Willie Grice to me!
    All our thoughts and prayers 🙏

    Mike an Mary
    Castrale

  3. Karen Hillery / February 23, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grice family. Grice and Will ( JoeL “Bubba” ) Hillery were unstoppable together. To live within the friendship claws of an unbreakable bond was amazing. Memories of nothing but laughter and fun times, we hold and treasure the life and love of Grice. WE know, that GOD has you and your family covered. Our LOVE to you and Peace of GOD. … be blessed.

    Karen & JoeL (Will) Hillery Sr.

  4. Willie Johnson / February 24, 2021 at 8:56 pm

    Condolence for Willie and Hazel Johnson Marion, SC.

  5. Kent and Debbie Ohlendorf / February 25, 2021 at 11:10 am

    We lift Janice and the Grice family to our great Lord for His comfort to them during this difficult time. Willie was so much fun as he was part of the VIP group which experienced various travel trips and events together. He did enjoy grilling and Willie’s BBQ was the best. Willie will be greatly missed. We celebrate his life through some great memories.

  6. Gerdine and John Shelton / February 26, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Our hearts and prayers go out to Janice and William — Much love and comfort during this difficult time. We know the Lord is with you to give you strength and guidance. So sorry neither John or I can be there today, but know you are loved! Please let us know if we can do anything to help!

  7. Joyce Rowell / December 3, 2024 at 7:58 pm

    Missing you dear cousin!

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