William T. Rice Jr.

“Bill” as he was loving known, spent his childhood in Greensboro, NC and Dallas, Texas. After coming back from the Marines from WWII, he went to college at North Texas State University. When he graduated from college, the dean told him he needed to graduate from high school before he can give him his BBA in college. You see, Bill, stated he was 18 years old to get into the Marines to fight in WWII and did not graduate from high school before going. Once he got back home, he went directly to college. He received all credits to graduate from college, but since he did not have a high school degree he went to Highland Park High School's principal’s house to ask him for a high school diploma. He found the man in his front yard mowing his grass. Bill explained his situation. His HS principal showed mercy on him, and gave him a high school diploma so he could graduate from college! Once he graduated, he landed his first job in Dallas, then was transferred to Houston. Bill was a hydraulic engineer. His first job was at Denison Engineering where he was the manager. He then moved to Motion Industries this was also a hydraulic engineering firm. And again he was the manager. He then started his own hydraulic engineering company named Automation Engineering. Bill was very successful owning his own company. Once he retired (at age 71), he moved to San Antonio to be closer to his son. He married Boyrita Guffey on December 30, 1955 starting his greatest adventure with her, creating a loving family.

Bill was a very generous person. If he saw someone in need, he would help them, no matter what. He gave generously to his Church, others within his Church and outside his Church. He did not talk much, but his actions spoke loudly toward his character. Everyone whom he came in contact, were blessed by his compassion. I've seen him see someone on the street in need, and hand them cash. He gave to anyone who needed or asked. He seemed gruff on the outside, but once you got to know him, he was very compassionate. Bill was very active in prison ministry for 20 years; Chuck Colson Prison Ministry. He witnessed to the men in secure lockup about Jesus. He lead men to the Lord, and was an active member in the San Pedro Presbyterian Church.

Bill’s best friend was a yellow Labrador named Butter. He loved walking him two to three times per day in his neighborhood. He played poker with friends on a weekly basis. He enjoyed going as far as his electric scooter would take him, even crossing busy roads although he was legally blind. He never missed Church on Sunday. He loved learning about the Bible and was a very strong Believer. Bible study and research, poetry and listening to the opera were some of things he loved. He enjoyed learning about science, space and the planets. Science, Solitaire game, Poker, Space research, Bible archeology, stocks. William had a very keen understanding of the stock market. When younger, he was an avid exerciser including running and riding his bicycle.

He leaves behind his loving family; his wife of 65 years Boyrita, his sister, Emily McLeod, son William Timothy Rice, daughter Rebecca Jane Rice Lu, and two grandsons, Hunter Rice and Preston Rice and their mother and his daughter in law Delana L. Rice.

And has reunited with his parents William Rice Sr. and Ruby Pigford Rice.

Family will be receiving guests for funeral procession to Fort Sam Houston on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, Texas 78232. The funeral procession will be departing at 12:30pm from the funeral home for a graveside service with military honors at 1:15 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78234.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Rice family.