Stephen John Rice

Stephen was born in Chester, Pennsylvania on September 28, 1945 to the late Clarence Eugene Rice and Mary Scott Rice. Stephen grew up in Delaware and attended the University of Delaware, graduated with a Masters in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi. During college, he served in the Army ROTC and then joined the US Army Corp of Engineers after obtaining his Masters. After his service, Stephen had a successful career with DuPont where he worked for 35 years until retirement.

Although both grew up in Milford, Delaware, Stephen didn’t meet his wife, JoAnn May Rice, until they were attending University of Delaware. They were married on August 13, 1971 in Milford, Delaware. Stephen and JoAnn enjoyed a long, loving marriage and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family. One of Stephen’s goals from a young age was to enjoy retirement, and he did. He and JoAnn loved to travel out West to vacation at ranches, ride horses, and spend time in the National Parks. Stephen was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life, but in his later years he simply enjoyed just being outside in God’s creation as he would say it.

Stephen was a devoted Christian Scientist, and his deep and abiding faith in God helped many others along life’s journey.

His friends called him “Steve,” and his grandkids called him “PopPop”. Steve loved most of all to talk to people and would often strike up conversations in his daily travels, the saying “never met a stranger” comes to mind when describing Steve. He would often share wisdom with his children and had colorful stories about growing up with his four siblings that made you wonder how he made it through childhood. Steve will be remembered as a kind and generous person, a lover of animals and birds, but with a special place in his heart for dogs.

Steve left the world a better place and will be dearly missed.

A loving husband, brother, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, JoAnn May Rice; his sister, Phyllis Mitchell and her husband Bob; his son, Michael Stephen Rice; his daughter, Julie Elizabeth Turner and her husband, Eric; and his grandsons, Jackson Eugene Turner, Matthew Stephen Turner, and Carter Michael Rice; and his grand-dogs, Reagan and Missy.

In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to Richardson’s Rescue, a local non-profit animal adoption agency.

Richardson’s Rescue

1968 Garvin Road

York, SC 29745

803-628-508

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Rice family.