"I shall pass this way but once, any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Willie "Bill" Wrice was born to the union of Rev. Lewis Wrice and Georgia Wrice on July 17, 1941 in Lakeland, GA. He was the tenth of twelve children.
Bill received his early education in Georgia's Lanier County School System. Upon graduating high school, he joined and served in the U.S. Army two years. After the Army, he went to Denmark Trade School in South Carolina and learned the vocation of television repair. He gained experience practicing the trade in his brother John's repair shop in Orangeburg, SC.
Bill later moved to Brunswick, GA and worked at Sears and Roebuck where he was the only black TV repairman. He excelled in the craft, even at one point winning a boat after out performing his colleagues in a service/sales contest. He eventually went into business for himself. He owned the first black TV repair shop in Brunswick and remained in business for over 35 years. He also was a member of Zion Baptist Church where he sang in the Male Chorus.
Bill was known to be a giver and was willing to lend his time and resources for those in need. He enjoyed playing checkers and made it hard for anyone to beat him. He was an excellent cook. Some of his specialties included: low-country crab boils, boiled peanuts, and barbecued ribs so tender, as he would say, "Even a no teeth man could eat them." He was also passionate about gardening having, over the years, planted a variety of fruit trees like orange, lemon, grapefruit, and plants such as greens, broccoli, grapes, tomatoes, red potatoes, green beans, corn, and squash.
On March 15, 2021, the Lord called Bill home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, DV Wrice, George Wrice, John Wrice, Robert Wrice, Oren Wrice, Donald Wrice; one sister: Elizabeth Sirmons; and one step-daughter: LaTonja Ramsey.
He is survived by: his wife, Anna Wrice; two sons, Winfred Wrice of Capitol Heights, MD and Bryan West of Brunswick, GA; one daughter, Anitra Ramsey of Odenton, MD; two step-daughters, CaSaundra (Herbert) Mack of Brunswick, GA and Jocelyn Jenkins of Brunswick, GA; one grand-daughter, Jamesha Wrice of Atlanta, GA; three brothers, Owen (Bertha) Wrice of Quitman, GA, Alfred (Lynette) Wrice of Brunswick, GA, and Enoch (Gwen) Wrice of Townsend, GA; one sister, Lillie McEday of Lakeland GA; one sister-in-law, Mildred Thorpe of Savannah, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, as ordered by the Governor for the State of Georgia, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside services must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home at any given period during the viewing process. We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for your prayers and considerations during this difficult time in their lives