Robert "Dickie" Richard Ryce, Sr., 64, of Mechanicsville, MD died March 11, 2008 in George Washington University Hospital. Born September 30, 1943 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of the late Levin Oliver and Mary Louise Ryce. He was the loving husband of Dorothy "Dottie" Victoria Ryce whom he married on August 1, 1964 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD.

He is survived by his children: Ricky Ryce and his wife Elise and Tammy Carpenter and her husband Ken all of Mechanicsville, MD; sister: Peggy Derrick and her husband Pete of Wilmington, NC and 4 grandchildren: Amanda Ryce, Cadence Ryce, Wayne Carpenter and Cal Carpenter all of Mechanicsville, MD.

Mr. Ryce was a life long St. Mary's County resident where he graduated from Margaret Brent High School Class of 1962. He was an electrician for Ryce Electric of Mechanicsville, MD for 43 years until his retirement on July 25, 2003. Dickie was a member of the St. Mary's County Softball League; he enjoyed watching Redskins games, fishing, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 3:00 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM in Mt. Zion United Methodist Church of Laurel Grove, 27108 Mount Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 with Rev. Ann Strickler officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be: Robbie Cooper, Stan Guy, Duffy Owens, Timmy Carpenter, Daryl Burch and Mike Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Amanda Ryce, Cadence Ryce, Wayne Carpenter and Cal Carpenter.

Contributions may be made to: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church of Laurel Grove, 27108 Mount Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 and/or Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.