Robert S. Rice

Of Jackson, stepped into God’s presence on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at age 85. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lois (Lockwood) Rice, grandson Barrett Hornberger, son-in-law Daniel Baker, and parents Oscar and Mary Rice. He is survived by his daughters Deborah (Alan) Payne of Phoenix, Arizona, Deirdre (Randy) Cox of Okemos, Michigan, Diana (Mark) Clevenger of Jackson, Michigan, and Donita Baker of Clark Lake, Michigan; grandchildren Monica Hornberger, Lyndsay (Troy) Smith, Ryan (Jennie) Clevenger, Ian Baker, Adam Baker, Stephanie Payne-Jarman, Brandon Payne, and Troy Payne; great-grandchildren Avrianna, Alexandria and Anderson Smith, Eleanor Clevenger, Ashlyn and Dylan Jarman, and Lily Payne; brother J. Lloyd (Evelyn) Rice and sister Betty McPeck; and nieces and nephews. Bob graduated from Jackson High School in 1948 then continued his education later in life by receiving an Evening School-Christian Worker Certificate from Detroit Bible College, and majoring in accounting at the University of Tennessee-Martin. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953. He worked many years in the grocery store business in Jackson, Manchester and Albion, and retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 25 years of service in 1994. He was an active member of Lansing Avenue Baptist Church, and a former member of Vandercook Baptist Church in Jackson, Michigan and Union City Baptist Church in Union City, Tennessee. He faithfully served over the years in various roles at church and in ministry outreach programs. His enthusiasm for sports extended from cheering on his favorite pro teams to being ever-present at his grandchildren’s sporting events. Bob was a man of honor, integrity, faith and strength, with a deep love and devotion to God, country and family. Funeral services will be held at Lansing Avenue Baptist Church, 4000 Lansing Avenue, Jackson, Michigan on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Friday, January 29 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested contributions be made to Lansing Avenue Baptist Church Memorial Fund.