Deacon John W. Wrice

For decades, John William Wrice has been recognized as a conversationalist often prepared to share an antidote to life’s circumstances sprinkled with wit and wisdom. Today, the wise “young man” has set sail on a journey that all of us will make someday. The journey of John W. Wrice began on October 6, 1927 and ended on December 23, 2020. 

A time to live: 

John William Wrice, affectionately known by his family as “JW” received his education in the Lowndes County Public School system. He attended Savannah State University. In pursuit of a dream, he entered Midway Television Institute of Atlanta, GA; he earned an Electronic Technology degree. 

On June 10, 1956, in Reevesville, South Carolina, John married Wilma McMillan. The couple was blessed with two children; a daughter, Valerie LaVerne and a son, Sheldon Bertrande. 

He was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing, singing, gardening and spectator sports. 

A time to provide: 

Owner and Operator of Wrice’s TV and Radio Sales and Service, Mr. Wrice labored in the vineyard for more than 40 years serving Orangeburg and surrounding counties. He was also a disabled veteran in the United States Army. 

A time to serve: 

“JW” accepted Christianity as the guiding principle of his life as a young boy in living in Lakeland, Georgia. 

Church Affiliation 

Upon moving to Orangeburg, Deacon Emeritus Wrice joined New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Orangeburg SC in the 1950s. He served as Chairman of the Deacon’s Board (twice), Sunday School Superintendent and teacher as well as a member of the senior choir, organizer of the Male Chorus, and a member of the Brotherhood. Deacon Emeri-tus Wrice served as chairman of the executive board of the Andrew Chapel Missionary and Education Union. 

Masonic Order 

During his Masonic tenure, he was Past Worshipful Master, St. James Lodge No.8; organizer and 1st High Priest of George Argro Chapter No.2 Royal Arch Masons; member, All Seeing Eye Knights Templar, W.A. Clement Consistory, and Koran Temple No.88 Shrine Temple of Orangeburg, SC. Ill. Wrice 33°, Past Grand Master, Most Worshipful Williams Grand Lodge AFASRM, Orangeburg SC also served as Vice President General, General Grand Masonic Congress, and held membership in all other houses of the United Supreme Council AASR. 

It was during the Wrice’s administration that the Master’s and Warden’s Council of Williams Grand Lodge was created. He was instrumental in South Carolina’s hosting of the United Supreme Council AASR in 1986 and again in 2002. 

In June of 1998, he along with Ill. Brother Clyde Shepard (then Grand Master of York Rite Masons) co-founded the Brotherhood of Grand Lodges of South Carolina with four other member Grand Lodges: Williams (Scottish Rite), Palmetto (York Rite), King Solomon (International) and B’Natural (Modern Free). The Grand Lodges listed each agreed to acknowledge the existence of each other, share in a joint project to promote cooperation, respect, assistance, fellowship, and trust, and extend the right hand of fraternal courtesies to our lodges and chapters to visit one another. 

Brother Wrice also served as Advisor to the Sisters in Unity OES (Sister Grand Chapters to the Grand Lodges). 

Because of his dedication, commitment, vision, and leadership as Most Worshipful Grand Master for the State of South Carolina (October 1983 – October 6, 2007), the auditorium, at Williams Grand Lodge, is named John W. Wrice Auditorium. 

A time to weep: 

His parents, Lewis S. and Georgie Wright Wrice, preceded him in death, as well as one sister: Carrie E. Sirmons and five of his brothers: Dolphus (DV), Donald, George L., Robert, and Oren. 

A time to celebrate: 

John leaves to cherish his memory Wilma McMillan Wrice, his wife of 64 years, two children: Valerie L. Wrice of Atlanta, GA, and Sheldon B. Wrice of Akron, Ohio; one sister: Lillie McEady of Lakeland, GA; four brothers: Owen (Bertha) Wrice of Quitman, GA, Alfred (Lynnette) Wrice, Enoch (Gwen) Wrice and Willie (Anna) Wrice all of Brunswick, GA; two brothers-in-law: Alton (Silvia) McMillan of Columbia, South Carolina and James (Patricia) McMillan of Reevesville, South Carolina; two sisters-in-law: Kay F. McMillan of Columbia, Maryland and Geneva McMillan of St. George; one grand-dog: Meeko of Atlanta, GA, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

All will sorely miss him! 

A time to be born and a time to die: 

John William Wrice, affectionately known by his family as “JW” was born in Lakeland, Georgia to the Reverend Lewis S. and Georgie Wright Wrice. 

Having lived a glorious life and found eternal rest on December 23, 2020 at 12:28 pm at The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 29,2020 at Glover's Funeral Home at 3:00pm until 7:00pm. 

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 30,2020 at Belleville Memorial Gardens beginning at 1:00pm. Services will be streamed live on our Facebook page Glover's Funeral Home of Orangeburg. All those attending must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.

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