Robert Raymond Rice, 56 of Hallsville passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 surrounded by his family at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 10 AM-11 AM at Memorial Funeral Home with Funeral Services at 11 AM in the chapel. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
He was born on September 17, 1966 in Mexico, Missouri the son of Raymond Barnie Rice and Vera Etta (Nichols) Rice who have both preceded him in death. He was a 1985 graduate of Hallsville High School. He dedicated 36 years at Environmental Dynamics Inc in Columbia.
Robert married Jacqueline L. Cooper on July 17, 1986, at Chance Gardens in Centralia. They raised two children, Robyn and Kevin Rice until they divorced in 2004. Robert was devoted to his family. He loved his children and grandchildren and they loved him. He was always willing to lend a hand and help someone in need. He had a love of vintage Ford Mustangs.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Vera Rice. One sister and brother-in-law Carolyn & Roger Tindle.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Annamarie Wolfe, children; Robyn Purdy and her husband, Ron, and Kevin Rice and his wife, Kayla; grandchildren, Sierra Bryson, Angela (Kolton) Gill, JD and Remington Purdy, Riley Litton, Adlene Portell; great-grandchild Sawyer Gill; sisters, Melva Slate, and Linda (John) Trumbo; brothers, Steve and David (Anita) Rice; several nieces and nephews; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Rice family.
