Harry W. Rice III

Harry W. Rice, III of Columbus, passed away peacefully on July 11 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on the 4th of July 1945 in West Chester, PA to the late Harry W. Rice, II and Marjorie (Mercer) Rice, and raised in Langhorne, PA. Harry was a man of tremendous faith and a charter member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He was accomplished: an Eagle Scout, an instrument rated multi-engine pilot, a HAM operator, a yachtsman, participating for years in the Southern Open Racing Circuit in Antigua, a Master Mason, and Mason of the Scottish Rite. Harry graduated from Lowell Technological Institute in 1968 with degrees in both Chemical Engineering, and Pulp and Paper Engineering. While at Lowell Tech, he was president of the Omega Pi fraternity. Upon graduation, his career as a chemical engineer took him from West Monroe, LA to Jacksonville, FL, and ultimately to Columbus in 1982. He took the position as National Sales Manager with Callaway Chemical Company, which was later owned by Exxon Chemicals and subsequently became Vulcan Materials, where he worked until his retirement in 2005. From 1997 until 2001, Harry led the Company’s development of the Southeast Asian pulp and paper chemical business. After retirement, he continued to sharpen his craft with Chemstone, Inc, serving as a consultant until 2018.

Harry was successful in his work, but he will be remembered best for his faith, loving spirit, and dedication to his family. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his sister, Sallie Kauffman, and nephew, Steven Ivins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sunday, of Columbus, GA; their daughters, Whitney Pease (Jason) of Columbus, GA and Ashley Kemp (David) of Warner Robbins, GA; a sister, Linda Rice Cutillo (Stephen) of Newtown, PA; a brother-in-law, Kenneth W. Kauffman of Lancaster, PA; seven grandchildren he adored (Caroline, Sarah, and Jack Pease; Mary Whitman, Will, Harry, and Charlie Kemp); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 on Thursday, July 15 at Grace Presbyterian. Private family burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Grace Presbyterian on Wednesday, July 14 from 5:00-7:00. The Rices would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff that helped Harry in his battle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian, Columbus Hospice, or the Amyloidosis Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Rice family.