Johnnie E. Rife

Johnnie E. Rife, passed away Saturday, August 6th, 2011 with family present at his home in Kissimmee. Johnnie was born in Alicia, Arkansas, one of eight children of Mr. and Mrs. John and Ora Rife. In 1941 at age 14, Johnnie came to the Miami Dade area of Florida and found work operating heavy equipment for road work and construction. Johnnie sold soft drinks to thirsty road crews and for the first time experienced what it was like to be in business for himself. Johnnie served honorably in World War II building air strips in the Philippines at age 17. He lied about his age to enter the service early to serve his country with the US Navy SEABEES. An Osceola resident since 1954 and a previous manager of A & P food store in St. Cloud. Johnnie started in business for himself in 1962 and has been the owner of Rife's Market for the past 50 years. Rife's Market suffered a total fire loss in 1981 and Johnnie believed in the community and rebuilt the store in it's present location and as it is known today. Johnnie also owned and operated a cattle ranch in Tucker, Missouri for several years. Rife's Market has provided employment and community support over many years to St. Cloud and area residents. Johnnie was a frequent sponsor of local 4-H activities associated with the Silver Spurs Rodeo. For many years Rife's Market was the place in Central Florida where families came to purchase the top grade beef as Rife's Market is known for. Johnnie and Rife's Market provided meat for many years to the former Orlando Naval Training Center as well. Johnnie is survrived by his wife Shirley Rife; daughter and son-in-law, Kenney and Karen Rife; daughter Sharon Rife; daughter and son-in-law Patty and Stan Bogus. Also step children Joe and Camilla Lewis, Judy and Kurt Whitlock, Jeff and Kim Lewis and many grand and great grandchildren. Johnnie was well known and respected by all that knew him and he was greatly loved by family and close friends. We will all miss you Johnnie and are blessed for having known you and will be that much poorer in spirit with your passing. Thank you for the many things you have done for community, local business, and all of your immediate and extended family. We love you with all our hearts and pray to be with you again. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 10th from 4-8 PM with a funeral service to follow on Thursday, August 11th at 10:30 AM in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Kissimmee, Florida. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fisk Funeral Home and Crematory, 1107 Massachusetts Avenue, St. Cloud, Fl. 34769 (407) 892-2155 www.fiskfh.com

Johnnie E. Rife

January 19, 1927 - August 6, 2011