Mr. Rice was a native of Sylvester, Georgia, and resided in Miami, FL. For 62 years before relocating to Tampa for 10 years. Prior to his passing, he was a God-fearing man who served faithfully as a deacon at Bible Baptist Church until his health declined. He worked in management within the shipping industry and retired at the age of 83. One of his sayings as he imparted his wisdom was, "Ive got news for you." He always maintained a positive and optimistic attitude, and proclaimed, even as his health declined, that he was holding steady. He served in the U.S Army during the Korean War and received a bronze star for bravery.

Mr. Rice was preceded in death by: his wife of 60 years, Bertha Rice; his later in life love, of ten years, Evelyn Rouse Warren; parents, Robert and Carrie Rice; brothers, Willie B, Jimmy, Henry, Ernest, and Wilson; sisters, Hattie Shipp, Carrie Jefferson, Mary Taylor, Irene Hill, and Catherine Anderson.

He leaves to cherish his legacy, daughter, Crystal White (Anthony); grandsons, Austin White, and Crystapher White; brother, Rev. Robert Rice, Jr. (Thelma); sister-in-law, Louise Rice; nephews, John Shipp, Robert Shipp (Elaine), Irvin Shipp (Wanda), Rev. Ron Shipp (Lena), Randy Hill (Debra), Christopher Rice (Stephanie), Rev. Webbie Hill (Pam), Melvin Jefferson, Franklin Jefferson (Joyce), and Ernie Rice; nieces, Rev. Judy Hill-Hall (Jimmy), Jody Rice, Catherine Anderson, Sylvia Neblett (Adonis) Demetris Anderson, Terrie Anderson, and Gwen Anderson; extended family, Reginald and Olga Daniels, Sharon Gomez, who supported and cared for him like their own father; and a host of other relatives and friends.