Prominent mid-Michigan car dealer commits suicide in church parking lot

A well-known car salesman was found dead of an apparent suicide in a Genesee County church parking lot this week.

A staff member of West Vienna United Methodist Church in Vienna Township called authorities Tuesday morning after discovering the body of Ron Dice, 68, laying next to his truck in the church's parking lot, said Genesee County Undersheriff Christopher Swanson. He had what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Swanson said.

Dice was the co-owner of RPM Auto Sales, a chain of mid-Michigan auto dealerships with six locations, in Clio, Flint, Saginaw and Lansing, according to a report by WJRT-TV in Flint.

Scott Balanowski, 48, general manager of RPM Auto Sales, said Dice was a giving man who "did a lot of things for a lot of people." Balanowkski had been acquainted with Dice for 35 years.

Rice's death is being investigated as a suicide by the sheriff's office. No foul play is suspected.

"He did make some comments the night before that, looking back, the family could see there was maybe some struggle," Swanson said.

Swanson said Dice was not affiliated with the church.

Swanson encouraged anyone who is struggling with depression or loneliness to seek help, even if it means calling 911.

Visitation for Dice is 3-9 p.m. Saturday at the O'Guinn Funeral Home, 503 N. Mill St., Clio. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

According to his obituary, contributions can be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Contact Brandon Patterson: email: BPatterson2@freepress.com Twitter: iAmBrandonPatt