Paul Sanford Rice, Jr., 81, moved to heaven on June 13, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL. Paul was born in “the hills of West-by-God-Virginie” as he would put it. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy at just 19 years old and served 20 years. Throughout his Navy career, Paul received many awards, commendations, and honors. He had pursued higher education during his Navy career and completed dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Business Management from the University of North Florida.
Paul met the love of his life, Carolyn (Carol) Gilbert, while stationed in Sanford, FL and married her quickly. Together they enjoyed Navy life especially as their first transfer was to Oahu, Hawaii where after taking one ceramic class, they created and ran The Mud Puddle Ceramic Company. After their second Navy transfer, they started The Mud Puddle 2.0 in southern California.
Upon retirement from the Navy, Paul was sworn in as an Agent with the United States Internal Revenue Service. He would later transfer to the Department of the Navy as a Civilian Auditor of US Navy facilities over the next 17 years where his first assignment was at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Paul and Carol were jointly recognized and honored for their independent efforts of teaching English to Cuban workers.
Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Gilbert Rice, of 25 years in 2009. He is survived by his children Lois R. Tague, Barbara H. Swaggerty (Patrick Swaggerty), Thomas Head; grandson Nicholas E. Coben; great-grand-children Valerie Lynn Coben, Jadon Nicholas Coben, Kyleigh Isabella Coben; and great-great-grandson Brayden James Isbell.
The family is grateful to Wyndham Lakes Assisted Living Facility in Jacksonville, FL for their care of Paul over recent years. He was treated like family and enjoyed many adventures during his years there.
A committal service will be held on Friday, July 2, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com for the RICE family.
