Garry Rice

Garry Rice, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. He was a resident at Kindred Nursing Home, having braved many years of life as a paraplegic; the final ones, fighting cancer.

Garry was born August 9, 1952, to Amos and Joann (Pegee) Rice at St. Joseph Hospital.

Garry was baptized at the Donmoyer Avenue Church of Christ where the Rice family worshipped for many years. He attended and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1971. Receiving a scholarship from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, he studied music. Later, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Garry then took a job as a deputy sheriff for St. Joseph County and married Deborah Goon.

Garry was gifted with a beautiful singing voice. He was asked to sing at several events during his high school career. He was part of the LaSalle High School Glee Club, a fullback for the LaSalle High School football team, loved to watch football, loved lasagna and the music of Jimi Hendrix. He was also a boy scout in his younger years. Garry was "even tempered." Never heard him complain once about the driver who caused the car accident that left him paralyzed.

Garry was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah (1974), and his father, Amos Rice in 2006.

He is survived by his mother, Joann Rice of South Bend, IN; his sons, Garry D. Rice of South Bend and Thaddeus Goon of Maryland; his brothers, Dominic Rice of South Bend, Amos Rice Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Steven E. Rice of Marshall, MO; and his sisters, Sue Gaub of Seattle, WA, Mary Rice of Seattle, WA, Alice Altizer of Concord, CA, Grace Rice of South Bend, IN, and Leatrice Garrett of Edwardsville, IL.

The family thanks Kindred Nursing Home and Hospice Care staffs for their kindnesses shown Garry during his stay as a resident and to Dr. Thomas Barbour for his constant overseeing of Garry's health.

The time of prayer and reading of God's Word from the ministers and friends of the family over Garry meant a lot to us and we appreciate you. And to Mom and Dad for the many years of care you gave him as you trusted in God in raising your family.

Memorial service will be Thursday, December 27 at 11:00 am at West Side Church of Christ, 22987 W. Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46628.

Clark O'Neal Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, we ask that your donation go to help support children in need under the support of: Christian Relief Fund P.O. Box 19670 Amarillo, TX 79114-167. Or go online to: www.christianrelieffund.org for how to donate in honor of Garry Rice.

Because of the tragic car accident in 1974, Garry lost his wife, Deborah, and the use of his own legs. We take comfort in our God who has now healed all of his hurts.

Published in The South Bend Tribune (IN) - Sunday, December 23, 2012

05/04/2022 EJS