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.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Ricky Donald Rice.
Dear Janie and family, I am so sorry for your loss and the difficult time you have been through. Rick was a delight to be around and I am thankful to have met him and you Janie. May God give you the comfort and strength that He can only give at this time. Hugs to all.❤️❤️❤️ Ellen
How can Rick be singing in Heaven without Jane? This cannot be happening—I was planing to have him sing at my funeral. I send great sympathy and lots of prayers to the family. Blessings to you all during this sad, sad time. May God keep you all wrapped in His big arms. Janealla
Sara and family I am so sorry for the loss of my brother in Christ. I loved this man and enjoyed singing and playing our instruments. We all will meet again. Sara, I and Elainr will be praying for you all. May God comfort you in the loss of your husband
Jane, I’m so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. As difficult as death is sometimes, I’m sure you can find some comfort in knowing where is is now and that you’ll be together again with your Heavenly Father for eternity. Until that time, if there’s anything I can do for you or your family don’t hesitate to contact me. With much love Burton
Dearest Lori & Family, Your dad brought joy to so many. The visits by your parents to our mom while she was in the nursing home were cherished. She loved hearing the hymns they sang. It brought her such joy. We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad. He fought hard. Courageous and loving you each always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you , your mom , Julie and entire family. We love you.
So sorry to hear this. My mom sure loved him. Praying for you and family
We’ve loved your sense of humor, have been inspired by your faithfulness to God, and enjoyed your musical talents. You have been a never-ending blessing to our family from near and far. May you rest high on that heavenly mountain with Jesus.