Roy Joe Rice (Capt. USN ret), 84, passed away into his savior’s arms at home on Friday, October 1, 2021. He was born October 31, 1936 in Commerce, GA to Roy D. Rice and Lola Mae. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. Joe was a gentle, quiet and adventurous soul at heart and the years of worldwide travel with the Navy fueled his passion for life. He was affectionately known as “Pops”, grandpa, “the Captain” but mostly Joe to his friends.
After graduating from Toccoa High School he went to Bullis Prep school and then the United States Naval Academy. Joe was a perpetual learner and went on to receive a degree in Computer Science just before retiring from the Navy.
He had a stellar Naval career of 25 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam war.
While in the early stages of his Navy career he met Eleanor Page, and a 57 year married adventure began. Their only son Joseph was born and the three of them moved all over the world supporting the Naval calling of Joe. After his retirement, Joe settled down in Bloomington to be near Joseph and their growing family. It was while in Bloomington that Joe began to passionately pursue his walk with Christ. He served at Trinity Reformed Church as the church Treasurer for 7 years and Deacon for 12 years. One of his greatest joys was mentoring young men in the church and serving in AWANA. His favorite, “The Dangerous Boys Club Campout”, was an annual adventure where his navy experience came in handy.
He will be missed for his gentle, caring, and generous heart, his love for the Lord, the old hymns, his words of wisdom, listening ear and his loving dedication to family and friends.
Predeceased by his sister, Martha Holcomb, his parents, Roy D. Rice and Lola Mae.
Joe is survived by his wife Eleanor, his son, Joseph and wife, Barbara; grandchildren, Sydney (Freiburg), Isaac, Selah, Quincy and Sophia; half-brothers, Mike Rice, Keith Rice as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Friday, October 8, 2021 and 11am-12pm on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Trinity Reformed Church, 2401 South Endwright Road, Bloomington, IN 47403.
Funeral Service will be held at 12pm, Noon on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Trinity Reformed Church with Stephen Baker officiating. Burial to follow at Trinity Reformed Church Graveyard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Chinese Reformed Church of Bloomington, 2401 South Endwright Road, Bloomington, IN 47403
(https://trinityreformed.churchcenter.com/giving/to/chinese-reformed-church)