Dalice Herrel Hess, age 82, of the Road Ridge Turnpike section of Raven, VA passed away Thursday, December 29, 2011 at his daughter's home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Red Ash, VA and was the son of the late Joseph Clyde and Polly Prater Hess. Dalice was a graduate of Richlands High School. He was in the U. S. Marines during the Korean War, before returning home and going to work in the coal mines on Jewell Ridge for Pittston Coal. After retiring from the mines, he worked as a security guard at the Mattie Williams Hospital in Richlands, VA.

Dalice was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to spend time with his family. He was known as Papa to almost all the children who knew him. Over the years, he built an array of playgrounds so all the children could enjoy them. He was a "Jack of all trades", he loved to do carpentry, and tinker around with electrical inventions, and he even built his kids a Farris Wheel. He always had a helping hand for those in need and no child ever did without. Dalice spent time gardening, collecting coins, going to church and in his quiet times he loved to sit and read his bible. He attended the Road Ridge Free Pentecostal church and was a lifelong resident of the area.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Victoria Hess, four sisters, Dolly Elswick, Annie Brown, Margaret Hess, Cleo Craighead, and five brothers, Theodore "Ted" Hess, Balford "Bal" Hess, Earl Hess, Joe Hess and Arvel Hess.

Those who survive him are: Three Daughters: Debra Riffe and Nick Harman of Falls Mills, VA
Rhonda Sullivan and husband, Billy of Tazewell, VA Sherry White and husband, Scott of Pounding Mill, VA
Son, Gary "Pete" Hess and wife, Tina of Claypool Hill, VA
Special Son, Benny Sparks and Dedra of Road Ridge, VA
Sisters, Mary Jane Richardson of Swords Creek, VA
Peggy Griffith of Williamson, WV
Brother, Jessie Dean Hess of Raven, VA
Eight Grandchildren: Robert Byrd, Joshua and Christopher Riffe, Michael and Drew White, Rachel, Jonathan and Abigail Sullivan

Four Great Grandchildren: Dustin and Bradley Webb, Alex Byrd, Nolan Riffe

Several nieces and nephews who dearly loved him also survive along with special friends, Pauline and Kassuandra Keen, and caregivers Legacy Hospice. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services for Dalice Hess will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Bobby Webb and Rev. Barry Absher officiating. Entombment will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 2, 2012 at the Greenhills Memory Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, VA with the Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 performing military graveside rites. Friends and family will serve as Pallbearers. Friends may call from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Saturday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA.