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.
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.