Visitation
Committal
Ricky Donald Rice, 72, of Morganton, NC passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Born in Springfield, OH on April 20, 1953, he was the son of the late Walter Donald Rice and Phoebe Elizabeth Goff Rice.
Ricky was a member of Drexel First Church of God and he loved to make people laugh. He met his wife, Sarah, in 1971, after which they began a singing ministry. They were married in 1973.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Sarah Jane Zeigler Rice; children, Eric Rice (Megan), Michael Rice (Kelly), Julie Gilbert (Clay), and Lori Rice; grandchildren, Seth, Ericca, Garrett, Levi, Emma, Ryland, Izzy, Allie Jane, and Andrew; sister, Dru Bostic; brother-in-law, Bill Dillow; sisters-in-law, Cindy Rice and Carolyn Rice; other in-laws, Roger Zeigler, Jana and Tim Champ, Ross and Mary Yocom; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by three siblings, Larry Rice, Gloria Dillow, and Mark Rice.
A celebration of Ricky’s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the gym of Drexel First Church of God. Additionally, there will be a celebration of life in Ohio on July 11, 2026. Information on this second service will be added as it becomes available.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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To Rick’s family, I’m so sorry to hear this about Rick, I joked around with him and called him Ricardo. I wish, so wish I could have seen and talked with him more but it just wasn’t possible. I met Rick over 38 yrs ago when all you children were really young and we were tight really tight, almost like David and Jonathan in the Bible. I’ll miss him I mean I will really miss him!
Rick was such a wonderful brother~always there for me thru the good and the rough times. I have so many precious and fun memories to cherish. He brought much love and joy to my life, and to many other’s lives as well. He and Janie have always been hospitable, and shared many meals, laughter, serious discussions and showed God’s love to others. I will miss him dearly, but am so thankful he’s run his race and is forever rejoicing with our Lord. Keeping Janie, their children and grandchildren covered in prayer. Rick was a beloved and blessed man.
We’re so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He will certainly be missed. now he’s in heaven singing with the saints who have gone on before.
I’m so sorry, but glad he isn’t suffering anymore!!
So very sorry to the entire family for your Loss. Rick and Sara were wonderful to my Sister Terrie when they took over as her AFL. Rick will be greatly missed :(- Ric, Regina, Annie & Ashley Odom
Prayers and blessings to the entire Rice family on his passing.
Rick was a wonderful neighbor of ours for many Years. A kind man, faithful husband, and loving father. He led by example. I don't think I ever saw him that he was not smiling.
He was one of our favorite patients in Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing……..
My sincere sympathy to each of you. He isn’t suffering now. I remember you from Drexel church of God and the many times you sang for us. Rick is probably singing in heaven right now and is at peace. Love.