Carl "Rocky" Garfield Rice Sr.

Carl Garfield Rice, Sr. was born August 22, 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana to his parents Carl L. Rice and Evelyn Buckner-Rice. Being the second oldest of the seven children, he was often seen rocking back and forth while watching over his siblings. This earned him his endearing nickname of Rocky.

Rocky graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1956 and attended several IUPUI courses for work enrichment in human resources and administration.

In 1956, he married Patricia Guthrie and of that union 5 children were born. Throughout his life, Rocky was truly dedicated to his family including his sisters and brothers.

Carl began his career with Union Carbide in 1962 as an hourly janitor. Utilizing college courses, he moved up through the company. He became Employee Relations Manager and increased opportunities for minorities. He ended his career as a Field Sales Representative retiring in 1992.

Carl was well known throughout the community. Having young boys, he was instrumental in establishing the Pack Charter to School #110 in 1968 as Cubmaster. While working closely with Mayor Richard Lugar, Carl was elected President of the City Demonstration Agency (CDA), a panel which governed the activities of the Indianapolis Model Cities Program. Carl was a member of the Cosmo Knights, NAACP, Oak Hill Civic organization, Union Carbide Employee Association, Federation of Associated Clubs, Inc and the Moles and Mules Club.

Carl was a board member of many organizations including the Indianapolis Business Investment Corporation, the Scientific Cleaning Corporation and Indiana Black Expo. His board leadership and community engagement led him to being selected as an Honoree of the Indianapolis Minority Achiever Recognition program and recipient of the Distinguished Award from the Center for Leadership Development, Inc.

Later in life, Carl met Peggy A. Anderson, whom he married in 1993. Together they started a business, Lasting Images Indy, a promotional products company. Over the next 20 years, their business allowed them to travel the country together. During his final years, Peggy was by his side.

Rocky was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward Rice and sister, Richadine Gore. Family members who will cherish his memory are: his loving wife Peggy; sisters, Evelyn Keen (Cameron); Jerry Mabry; Joyce Saunders (John); Natalie Wright (Donald) and brother David Rice (Toni). His legacy will be carried on by his children, Carl G Rice, Jr. (Tracey); Darrel ‘Tony’ Rice; Sherri Polin (Benton); Karen Williams (John) and Geraldine Boddie (Donald); 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Rocky will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.

Rocky will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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