George Thomas Rice

Beloved and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, George Thomas Rice, went home to be with the Lord after a year-long battle with cancer on Friday, Nov. 23.

Left to cherish wonderful and fond memories are his wife Judy (Tipton) Rice of Oak Ridge; son George Thomas (Tommy) Rice and daughter-in-law, Christie (Slagle) Rice; and beloved granddaughters Katie and Sydney Rice of Kingston.

George was a special blessing to his brothers and sisters and is survived by his brothers Napoleon (Nip) Rice and wife Betty of Woodstock, Ga.; Charles M. Rice and wife Marita of Nashville; Robert Charles (Tony) Rice and wife Karen of Elkton, Md.; Dinnie Rice of Azle, Texas; and Kelvin Rice, Oak Ridge. He is also survived by sisters Lucille Eargle of Acworth, Ga., and Mary Nell (Rice) and husband Lyle Doman of Friendswood, Texas. George leaves a host of nieces and nephews, very special friends, and his church family who mourn his passing.

George retired after 37 years of service at Y -12. Prior to employment at Y -12, he was employed at The Oak Ridger and Joe T. Faulkner Motor Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, M.L. and Mary Sue Rice, and grandson Cody Thomas Rice.

A very active longtime member of First Free Will Baptist Church, he willingly served as trustee and joyfully served in many areas of service at the church.

For many years, George coached slow pitch softball teams in the area. His positive influence on those he coached was evidenced by the many young men who made a special point to visit or call George in the last year.

George enjoyed being outside. One of his favorite hobbies was spending time at Watts Bar Lake and practicing his special talent for hospitality, always making sure everyone else was having a good time, whether it was family or friends.

The family will receive friends at Weatherford Mortuary on Monday, Nov. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. Immediately following, a celebration of life service will be held at 8 p.m. officiated by his brothers, Rev. Charles M. Rice and Rev. Tony Rice, and his pastor, Rev. David Cox.

Burial service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Free Will Baptist Church Kitchen Fund.

Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.