David Lynn Rice

David Lynn Rice of Texarkana, AR, age 84, died on October 15, 2020 in Glen Rose, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Y.G. Rice, Jr and later by his mother and step-father, Fern and Roy Snow, all of Texarkana. Rice was born in Texarkana, AR on November 10, 1935 at the home of his uncle, Harding Brown.

Lynn (as he was called) is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ellen (Barkman) Rice and by two daughters, Mrs. Lynda (David) Greer of Chalk Mountain, TX, Mrs. Susan (David) Boyles of Marble Falls, TX, four grandchildren, Paige (Michael) Cronenworth, Hayden (Courtney) Boyles, Katherine (Josh) St. Clair, Bryce (Kristen) Greer. He is also survived by five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. His only sibling, an older brother, Roger W. Rice died August 22, 2017 in Atlanta, TX.

Lynn graduated from Arkansas High School in Texarkana, AR in 1954. He attended the University of Arkansas for one year and joined the Navy. He served in Airborne Early Warning Squadron Twelve at Barber’s Point, Hawaii and at Midway Island. He was an Airborne Radar Operator and Air Crewman, honorably discharged in 1958 after four years of active service. After returning home, he attended Texarkana College and graduated with an Associates Degree, then later graduated with honors from East Texas State University at Texarkana a few years before he retired.

Lynn conceived machines, systems and special equipment for the automated assembly of a variety of products during his employment by Day & Zimmermann at Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant in Texarkana and with NL Industries Automated Systems Division in Arlington, TX where he rose to the position of VP/General Manager. He was also VP/GM at Mooney Engineering in Fort Worth, TX and Director of Engineering at Wright Industries in Nashville, TN. Automation concepts were a special gift and he helped create numerous systems and machines for the production of ammunition, commercial products and automotive components.

Lynn was a member of First United Methodist Church in Glen Rose. During his working career he was a member of the American Defense Preparedness Association. He was a member of the National Audubon Society, and enjoyed the annual Christmas Bird Count. He earned his Eagle Scout rank after returning to Texarkana, and was Scout Master of Troop 19 for several years. He also coached Little League football and basketball. He was an avid golfer and chess player. After retiring, he became a songwriter and composed more than 1000 songs in several genres. His lifelong friend, Mike Hackworth was influential in that activity and they co-wrote at least sixty songs together. Lynn was a member of ASCAP, a Music Publisher and produced three albums of his songs in 2005, 2006 and 2016.

A Military Memorial Service is planned for the Spring of 2021, in Old Rondo Cemetery, Texarkana, AR. Memorials may be donated to the Texarkana Public Library or a charity of your choice in his honor.