Randall James Rice

Randall James Rice, age 65 of Sterling Heights, died Friday, September 23, 2016, surrounded by his loved ones, at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born January 10, 1951 in Detroit, the beautiful son of Rosemary (nee: Funke) Rice, and the late Ralph Rice.Randy's skill set was that of a Machinist and he was employed for many years with Schwartz Boring, one of the many local suppliers to the automotive industry. To the misfortune of Randy and his fellow co-workers, the business reached a point that it was forced to close its doors which sent Randy on the path towards a new opportunity and career. After much contemplation, he chose the field of Real Estate Sales and ultimately landed with the team at Century 21, the Town & Country office at 17 Mile and Garfield in Clinton Township. He spent the next 13 years helping families find their new homes and beginning new chapters in their lives. With his gregarious personality, they couldn't have had a better agent to smooth the waters and make it all much more palatable.Though he was good at what he did, Randy's best work was what he accomplished away from the job in the various pastimes he enjoyed. Work was certainly important to Randy, but making moments to reflect upon meant so much more to him,…especially when shared with somebody special. Whether it was wielding his hunting rifle in search of that Big Buck,...swingin' his golf clubs in search of that elusive Hole-in-One,…or simply searching the channels for that ideal game of sports to watch, Randy surely had the bases covered for having a good time,…and always while enjoying an ice-cold Miller Lite! Those "elbow exercises" always produce the best muscles, right? Another pastime he had come to enjoy over the past few years was through his membership at the American-Polish Century Club in Sterling Heights. Randy was the kind of guy who always had lots of friends. Yet what made many of them stand apart is that they shared lifelong relationships. For many of us, some friendships have varied spans of time, seasons in which to enjoy the pleasures bestowed. But if you became a friend of Randy's, it was seemingly forever. Perhaps one of the many reasons was that he was the kind of friend you could always count on. Known for his genuine practicality and realism, Randy was often the guy who many would turn to for advice,…or simply for his listening ear. No matter the form in which his relationships took, both family and friend alike, he will forever be remembered for genuine care.A loving husband and father, Randy's life was good. A good job, a great wife, and 3 wonderful sons,…all of which made for the All-American story of happiness. And God Bless Jan for living amidst all that testosterone. For Randy, it was quite the "man's world" with all those boys in tow,…and he did his best to teach them how to be strong men, too. It took a while, but the tide was about to change. The prominence of men was about to shift, and it came in the form of his first granddaughter, Natalie. In the blink of an eye, this little baby ushered in a side of Randy that was as stunning as it was unique,…and visibly noticeable to all who knew this pillar of a man. And that's just how God works. Once, a long time ago, He used a baby to change the world. In this case, God used a baby to change Randy's world,…and he was never the same. To quote his kids; Dad became a "Softie" when Natalie was born. Of course, the rest of his grandchildren were equally treasured and loved, and he lived for each and every moment he was afforded their company. They were truly the light of his world.At a young 65 years old, Randy leaves us far too soon. Though his presence will surely be missed, it's the legacy of love he leaves behind that will be held close to the heart and embraced with each reflection shared. He touched a multitude of lives along the way; may each of them hold tightly to the love and friendship he shared,…and thank God for His goodness in the gift of Randy to us all.Go Rest High, Dear Brother! Randy was the beloved husband of Janice. Dearest father of Ryan (Teresa) Rice, Jerry (Katie) Rice, and Dennis (Melissa) Rice. Loving grandfather of Natalie, Autumn, Josephine, Elinor, Alex, Tara, Maria, and Summer. Being 1 of 10 children, he is survived by siblings, Diane (John) Kessler, Richard (Linda) Rice, Ronald Rice, Robert Rice, Russell (Kimberly) Rice, Ryan (Brenda) Rice, Dawn (Scott) Eathorne, Roger Rice, and was preceded in death by sister, Debra. A Memorial Visitation for Randy will be held Wednesday, September 28th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren. His Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family has elected two separate venues of the donor's choice for memorial donations. The first is welcomed to the Martin Edward Galvin Fund for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research (IPF), Dept. of Internal Medicine Development Office, University of Michigan, 1000 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (www.questforbreath.org). The second is to the National PKU Alliance, P.O. Box 501, Tomahawk, WI 54487 (www.npkua.org)Please share memories of Randy at his memory book above.