Richard Rice

Richard Rice, age 75, of Erin, TN, passed away at home on Friday December 31, 2021.  He was born July 22, 1946 in Fall River, MA.  Richard proudly served his country in the US Air Force.  During his time in the Air Force, he served in Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic.  Following his time in the service, he worked for several years with Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.  Later, he and his wife owned and operated Sun Tech Graphics in Fellsmere, FL for many years.  He most recently worked at Wal Mart in the Wilma Rudolph location where he was currently employed. While living in Florida he enjoyed fishing in the Indian River, camping with friends and family at scouting events and hand feeding his prized coy fish. Although he missed his fish, the move to Tennessee several years back rewarded him with routine face to face greetings with deer, that he loved feeding right from his front yard. He could find satisfaction everywhere, but you could truly see him smile while enjoying his hobbies such as ham radio operation, action films, comedy films (close second), history documentaries, guns and reloading ammunition.  Survivors include his wife Shirley de los Hoyos Rice of Erin; sons Richie LaCroix (Tina) of Assonet, MA; Richard C. Rice of Vero Beach, FL; and Michael T. Rice (Amanda) of Melbourne, FL; as well as daughters Lisa Vasconcellos of Lakeland, FL; and Christine Rice (Jessie) of Fall River, MA.  Richard is also survived by two sisters Peggy Nino (Henry) of St George, UT; Charlene Hall-Henley (Clark) of Angel Fire, NM; as well as three brothers.  He is blessed with four grandchildren Joshua Vasconcellos, Abigail M. Rice, Madison Q. Rice and Maisie L. Rice. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which he was very passionate about. Memorial services with military honors will be conducted on Friday January 14, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Gateway Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of services.  Arrangements are under the care of Gateway Funeral Home and Cremation Center  335 Franklin Street  Clarksville, TN  37040.  Phone 931-919-2600.  Online condolences may be made by going to www.gatewayfh.com.