Thomas Luther Rice

Thomas Luther Rice was born in Dothan, Alabama on 02/03/1948, to his parents, Joel and Dee Rice. He grew up in Valdosta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, where he graduated from Andrew Jackson High school in 1967. After which he explored on a career. He went to University of South Florida to because an Archeologist but then realized it wasn’t money producing and moved onto University of Florida for more education. Then decided to join the Red Cross in Tifton, GA where he met his wife at Sunday School class. He continued his education at Valdosta State where he studied accounting.

In 1972, Thomas married the love of his life, Brenda (Hall) Rice, and together they shared nearly 52 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Together, Thomas and Brenda built a beautiful life centered around family and making memories. They especially loved traveling and cruising together, always looking forward to their next adventure and cherishing every moment spent exploring new places side by side.

Thomas was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His kindness, generosity, and steady presence touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He had a warm heart, a great sense of humor, and a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for. He was a source of strength and support for his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with those he loved most.

Tom enjoyed plants and he had the green to keep them alive, He also loved fossils and exploring old runes. This passion was strong discovering cool and antique relics. He enjoyed researching his family’s history, going to estate sales, and socializing with his cherished friends, and was especially happiest when spending time with Brenda, whether at home putting together a puzzle, traveling, or on one of their many cruises together. The love they shared was evident to all who knew them.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Rice; his sons, Peter Rice and Brian Rice; his parents, Joel and Dee Rice; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Walter Dodson.

Thomas is survived by his daughter, Melissa; his brother Frank (Mary) Rice; his nieces Sheryll (Dwight) Wilson, Catherine (Chris) Meunier, and Amanda (Ross) Romeo; and his nephews, David (Andrea) Rice, Joel Rice, and Nathan (Maureen) Rice; and many great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Thomas’s life will be held on May 25, 2026, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home at 11am. Visiting will precede at 10:30am to 11:00am. We ask that attendees wear their favorite casual, tropical attire. His service will be availble to view on livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/live/XbdRfwEcmec

The family requests that loved ones honor Thomas’s memory by spending time with family, traveling, and embracing life’s simple joys just as he did.