William Eugene Rice

William Eugene (Gene) Rice, 78, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully at Suncoast Hospice Care Center and went to be with his Lord, on September 29, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Gene was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on October 28, 1947, to Bill and mother Helen Rice (who died when he was young), and he was raised by Bill and stepmother Josephine Georges with their combined family of six children. He dedicated his life to serving his Lord Jesus Christ and loving his family and friends. Gene served as a Captain in the Navy and Navy reserves, and he had a genuine interest in honoring military veterans. His passion for accounting and continuing his CPA career part time, even after retiring, showed what a diligent, hard worker he was, up to his final week of passing. In order to keep up with Gene's disciplined, humorous character, you should be on time, balance your checkbook weekly, keep your favorite candies in the fridge, and always get those Bogos when you shop! Gene’s favorite pastime was playing golf. He graduated from the University of Florida with an MBA, and he loved watching his Florida Gators play all the sports. His family chose Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home to prepare his body for anatomical donation to the School of Medicine, at the University of Florida, for research and educational purposes. His love for helping others with their finances and business was a testament of how he treated his own family, leaving all of his personal affairs in order in preparation for his departure. His example of serving and genuinely caring for others revealed his loving spirit which brightened the lives of all who knew him. At home or when visiting others, he never failed to help clear the table after the meal and start washing the dishes. What a blessing to be around him!

He is survived by his large family: Dr. Barbara Rice (wife); four step sons, Frankie (Haven), Sam (Angie), Dr. Daniel, and Ben (Kelly) Hennessey; three children (with first wife), Will Rice (Yoshiko), Kelly Stuber (Daniel) and Greg Rice (Lariza); siblings Barbara Jean Britson (husband Bob), Marty Georges (wife Jenny) and Ron Rice (wife Chris); eleven grandchildren, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Gene's heavenly homecoming will be celebrated at Harborside Christian Church, 2100 Marshall St, Safety Harbor, Florida, on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm. The family invites all who knew him to attend and share their favorite memories together.