Jack Handley Rice

Jack was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on November 23, 1923 to Wayne Paul Rice and Beth Handley Rice. He graduated from Big Spring High School and attended the University of Texas in Austin and Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

He proudly served in the Army Air Corp in World War II and flew over 45 bombing missions in his Maurader B26 over Germany. After the war he left the Air Corp and returned to his beloved West Texas roots. He married the love of his life, Joyce Eileen Martin on April 23, 1951. They lived in San Angelo for over 40 years where Jack worked for Mutual of Omaha. He and one of his closest friends owned a large ranch in Big Bend and also built houses together in Austin. One of his many proud moments was when he served as the President of the Concho Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross during the 1970’s.

After retiring Jack and Eileen moved first to Houston and then later to Austin to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Eileen, his step-son Richard Meeker of Phoenix, AZ., his daughter Jan Rice Bachman of Austin, TX., and his beloved grandchildren John Andrew Meeker of Dayton, TX., Lauren Rice Bachman and James Logan Bachman of Austin, TX.

Jack was cared for by Hospice of Austin and rather than flowers, a donation to these wonderful people and organization is requested by the family.

A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 23, 2011 at Austin Memorial Park located at 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, TX.