Roy Melvin Dice, Jr., 91, of Palmyra, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Londonderry Village, Palmyra. He was born June 21, 1928 in Palmyra to the late Roy Melvin, Sr. and Mable Irene (Buck) Dice. He was predeceased on May 30, 2009 by his wife of 61 years, Faye Geraldine (Summers) Dice. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Rebecca (Gluck) Myers Dice.
He graduated from Palmyra High School ‘47, Grace College ’56, Grace Seminary in ’59 and earned a Masters Degree from Temple University ’71. He was ordained as a minister by the National Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches ’62 and began pastoring churches in Winona, MN and Cedar Rapids, IA. He was the first pastor of Telford, Lititz and Myerstown Grace Brethren Churches. He also served as interim pastor of Lancaster and Palmyra Grace Brethren Churches. Roy taught elementary school at Pine Street and Lawn Elementary Schools in Pa before he became Head 6th Grade Science Teacher at Milton Hershey School for 24 years. He was a humble servant with an infectious smile and sense of humor that would light up a room and bring so much joy to those around him. His love for Jesus Christ directed his time, his many talents and his unconditional love for all.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Lynne L. Swider and husband Thomas of Harrisburg; two grandsons, Lt Colonel Robert T. Hines, Jr. (USAF) and a NASA astronaut (wife Kelli) and Michael John Dice Hines, Assistant Principal of Sam Houston High School, all of Houston, TX; three granddaughters, Catherine “Cat”, Sarah and Julia Hines; two step-children, Melissa Burrous of Wellsboro and William Judy of Millersburg. He was predeceased by two sisters, Thelma Dice and Catherine Kiscadden.
Roy attended The Evangelical Free Church of Hershey until his health declined to the point where he was unable to do so. There he participated in many different activities including conducting Sunday School classes.
He enjoyed many activities throughout his lifetime, including tennis, social gatherings and travel. He worked with Bob Neff Tours as a Tour Leader in the 1990’s and was able to lead groups over the years to Russia, Germany, France and the Holy Land.
When he retired from Milton Hershey School he continued his lifelong devotion to children by generously driving many qualified students from the school, when needed, to various colleges and universities along the East Coast. He also enjoyed a position at Hershey Park where he shared responsibilities with his oldest grandson as tram drivers for those arriving and departing the park. This was another way he maintained his lifelong devotion to the youth of our world.
This writing would not be complete without the heartfelt expression of gratitude to the staff at Londonderry Village for their dedication to Roy’s physical wellbeing, maintaining his love of life and encouraging his sense of humor throughout the later years of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Private burial will take place in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra with Pastor Dave Martin officiating. Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Londonderry Village Good Samaritan Fund, 1200 Grubb Road, Palmyra, PA 17078 or Hershey Free Church, Compassion Fund, 330 Hilltop Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com
