William L. Rice

He graduated from Dale High School and Indiana State University with a degree in teaching and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Indiana University. Bill was a long time member of Albright United Methodist Church where he was active with the youth and on several committees. He was a high school football and basketball referee for many years and earned the Distinguished Official of the Year award. Bill was a 41 year educator. His first teaching job was in Hume, IL, and he served as a Principal in Orleans, IN. He taught at Baker School and was a counselor at Thompkins School in EVSC, from where he retired. Bill’s career was focused on making a difference in children’s lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Jessie (Whitten) Rice; brothers, Tyrus, Vernon, Joseph, Kenneth (Pat); sister, Lou Rice; and grandsons, Adam Bohnert and Adam Wade.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fern (Reinhart) Rice; son, David (Sue) Rice of Newburgh IN; daughter, Pamela (Michael) Wade of Newburgh IN; daughter, Terri (Stanley) Butler of Roswell, GA; grandchildren, Matt (Brandi) Rice, Andrea (Daniel) McReynolds, Andrew (Carrie) Rice, Sara (Matt Stephens) Bohnert, Nick (Jessica) Wade, Gary (Tina) Wade, Jordan and Cameron Butler; great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Brandt, and Nichole Rice, Violet and Scarlett McReynolds, Leena, Norah, and Vincent Rice, Kenan, Easton, Langston and Irelyn Wade, Alexandra Wade, Allison and Joshua Gibbs; and great-great grandson, Lucas Gibbs.

The family thanks Specialty Home Health and Aseracare Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel officiated by Rev. Steve Brown with burial at Dale Cemetery, Dale, IN. Friends may visit Wednesday, 9:30 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 5250 Vogel Road, Evansville, IN 47715, Alzheimer’s Association, 101 NW First Street, Suite 203, Evansville, IN 47708, or the charity of your choice.