David Christopher Rice

David Christopher Rice, age 87, of Germantown, MD, passed away peacefully in his home, Thursday, April 25th, after a year-long battle with illness. David last worked at H&R Block as a Master Tax Advisor and as Manager of the Wheaton, MD office. He loved his work, his clients, and being able to help them navigate the tax code. 

Dave's dedication to community and minority business development was exemplified by a professional career and volunteer service in the DC area that included the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the US Treasury, the Neighborhood Capital Corporation, the Cooperative Assistance Fund, (all of which strove to improve low-income neighborhoods by increasing investment in minority businesses), OMB Watch, Delta Foundation, and Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network.

David moved to the DC area in the late 70's to help run the new DC office of the Children's Defense Fund. He had previously served as Director of CDF Mississippi, which successfully sued to secure full educational opportunities for all children, regardless of disability. Dave had originally gone to Mississippi in 1966 to serve as CFO (later CEO) of the statewide Child Development Group of Mississippi, then the largest HeadStart program in the nation.

David spent the early 60's working as an accountant for large corporations, notably IBM at the World Trade Center. He also began coursework at the New York University Graduate School of Business. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business at Lincoln University (PA) in 1958, where he wrestled and ran cross country. Dave was stationed in Korea while serving in the Army during the Korean War. He graduated from Manassas High School in Memphis, TN.

David was born in Memphis, TN to James Emmet [Rice] and Estelle Camper Rice, who preceded him in death, as did his siblings James, Alice, John and Fannye. David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cornell [(Connie)] Rice; one sister, Flora Ruth Rice Lockley; three children, Alice Renee Frimmer, Michelle Rice, Corey Rice; three grandchildren, Christopher Preyor, Nasir Preyor, Cora Rice; two great grandchildren, Zari Preyor, Morgan Preyor; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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