Brice A. Jernigan, 30, formerly of Wauseon, remains were found in the Superstition Mountain range desert area near Apache Junction, Ariz., Dec. 6, 2010.

Brice left on a hiking/camping trip the weekend of Sept. 4, 2010, and did not return from the adventure. After months of concern, his older brother, Shane Jernigan, a former U.S. Army Ranger, traveled to Arizona to find his brother.

After some investigation, it was discovered that three bodies had been found in that desert area. With the help of dental records provided by Dr. Robert Lockman, Wauseon, unfortunately, one of the bodies found was that of Brice A. Jernigan. Even though the family was devastated by the loss of Brice, they are comforted that he was found and will be able to be put to rest by his family.

Jernigan is the son of Diana (Jimenez) and Walter Smallman, Wauseon, and Steven Jernigan. His grandparents are Socorro (Jimenez) and Max Rocha, Beeville, Texas (formerly of Archbold); and foster grandparents Orville and Delight Fricke, Archbold.

He is also survived by his two brothers, Shane Jernigan and Corey Jernigan, Destin, Fla.; sister, Regan Jernigan, Tampa Bay, Fla.; and stepsisters Amy (Smallman) Brown, Detroit, Mich., and Michelle (Smallman) Stickley, Delta. Other family members include, nephews, Colin and Conour Jernigan, Tampa Bay, Fla.; many aunts, uncles, first and second cousins.

Brice was an avid lover of sports, the outdoors, and family. His smile was infectious and his ability to listen to others and bring out their best will be missed.

A Celebration of Life Worship Service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Oasis Christian Fellowship, Wauseon, with Vic Cales, officiating. There will be a dinner following the service at Christ’s Church, N. Shoop Ave., Wauseon.

The family requests any and all that attend to come dressed casually. Brice was not a lover of dress clothing, but loved his sport’s teams. Wear your favorite sport shirt from the Archbold Bluestreaks, Wauseon Indians, Ohio State University, Chicago Bears, or a Brice Memorial shirt available at L & L Shirt Designs, Fulton St., Wauseon.

Suggested memorials should be made to Cherry Street Mission, Toledo; the youth program at Oasis Christian Fellowship, Wauseon; or donor’s preference. Paid Obituary