Ted Ward Rice

Ted was placed on this earth by his Heavenly Father on February 15,1940 to be a blessing in the family of Leland and Eunice (Johnson) Rice of Springfield, OH.

A 1957 graduate of Springfield High School, Ted played on the golf team and competed against the legendary Jack Nicklaus. After high school, he earned a B.S. in Accounting from Kent State University before going on to complete a J.D. at The Ohio State University in 1967. Ted was also a member of the Gamma Tau Chapter (Kent State University) and Zeta Chapter (Ohio State University) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Ted dedicated his 32-year legal career to public service and advocacy. He began at the Ohio Attorney General’s office before following a calling toward social justice. He served as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of Dayton and later as the director of the legal component of Model Cities, where he fought tirelessly for the rights of the marginalized. After serving as a magistrate in the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court, he joined the Montgomery County Public Defender’s office in 1981, where he served until his retirement.

A lifelong student and teacher of the Bible, Ted’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a man of diverse interests, possessing an extensive book collection and a deep love for history and music. An avid sports fan, he coached high school girls' basketball and remained a devoted supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Middletown Middies and Michael Jordan (whose every game he had recorded on VHS). However, his greatest passion was sharing the love of Jesus—his true "G.O.A.T."—with everyone he met.

Ted lived his life by the principle that “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” He certainly spent his life and career doing just that.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his former wife, Dorothy (Rice) Walker and sister, Anita (Naimah Ali) Rice.

Ted is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Bennie) Umstead and Robin (David) Fultz; son Jason (Greta) Rice; grandchildren, Jessica ( Jamil ) Brown, Bryan (Aiysha) Brown, Alec (Hannah) Fultz, Aidan Fultz, and Cameron Rice; great grandchildren, Ava, Quinn, Zoe, and Maisy, as well as many other loving family members and friends. His absence will be felt deeply by all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled in the new year. This post will be updated at that time.