Richard A. Rice

On Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, Richard Allen Rice, 61, of Tyler returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. Richard was born in Tyler on Nov. 5, 1949, to loving parents, James W. Rice and Jerline Truss Rice.

Richard married Ivy Darden of Tyler in 1971 and together they proudly raised three loving children. Richard worked loyally for Tyler Pipe Industries for 29 years and numerous secondary jobs for both friends and family.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jerline Rice, and his brother, Gerald Duane Rice.

Richard is survived by Ivy Rice, devoted wife of 40 years; daughter, Carrie (Eloy) Ramirez of Troup; son, Richard (Wendy) Rice of Little Elm; and daughter, Laura (Ryan) Rowley of Tyler; Richard also leaves behind four grandchildren, Elizabeth Ramirez, Zachery McCoy, Jessica McCoy and Cody McCoy; one brother, James D. (Cheryl) Rice of Tyler; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends whom he held dear.

Though his family will miss him dearly, they take solace in the fact that, though his battle with illness was rough, his suffering was short and they will all see him again.

Services are under the direction of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, with interment service to be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Funeral services will be led by the Rev. Lloyd McCaskill and the Rev. Wm. David Rice. Pallbearers will be Kurt Schmidt, R.H. Smith, Steve Pinkston, Steve Efurd, Richard "Rick" Rice, Ryan Rowley, Randy Gilbert and Robert Truss.

Arrangements under the direction of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home - Cemetery and Mausoleum, Tyler, TX.