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Charles RICE Obituary

RICE, Charles Charles R. "Chuck" Rice Long time Atlanta resident, died peacefully at his home on Sept. 22, 2014. As owner of Rice Associates, a landscape design firm, Chuck beautified the campus of Paidaia School and many private estates in Morningside and metro Atlanta. He enjoyed fine dining, overseas travel, art, and antiques. Graduate of Spencerville High School and Baldwin Wallace College, both in Ohio. In recognition of his many benevolent activities, served as a torchbearer for 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His true joys were his many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father James H. Rice and Chuck's life partner Gary L. Buffington. He is survived by his mother Betty J. Rice; sister Carol Schuster (Louis) and their children Brian (Tiffany) Schuster and Alan (Jennifer) Schuster and daughter Nora; brother Craig Rice (Becky) and children: Derek (Denise) Rice and children Adam and Kaitlyn; Marci (Darren) Senft and daughter Brooke; Ryan (Michelle) Rice and their sons Jackson and Bennett. Also surviving are life partner Gary Buffington's brothers and their families: Michael (Kathi) Buffington, daughter Andrea (Brian) Dyer and children Eli and Alden and daughter Emily (Hayden) Embry and children Anna Kate, Davidson, and Collins; Steve (Mary Ellen) Buffington and their children Breese, Brooks, Kathleen and Caroline; and Jimmy (Kathy) Buffington and children Nikki Livingston and Matt (Kat) Buffington. Service at First Presbyterian Church, 1328 Peachtree St., Atlanta, at 11 am on Sept. 27th preceded by visitation at the church at 10. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson, Spring Hill. Interment follows at Gwinnett Memorial Park, Lawrenceville, GA. Donations to a charity of choice appreciated. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Sep. 24 to Sep. 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles RICE

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Greg Frank

January 19, 2015

Learned just last week from the Baldwin-Wallace alumni magazine that my college friend Charlie, as he was know then, had passed on. He spread much joy in his day to day life. Charlie would do any favor asked of him and added much to a friendship from his kind but independent thinking. He was a credit both to his friends and himself. See you on the other side Charlie!

Jim Phillips

January 12, 2015

I have only recently learned of the passing of my dear college friend of years ago. Chuck was a very special person. He will surely be missed by friends old and new.

Eileen Spicer (née, Berkebile)

January 10, 2015

I was sad to learn of Charlie's death. I knew him at B-W and we had many good conversations during our four years there. I was able to visit him once in Atlanta in 1969 or 1970. Then he came to visit my husband and me several times during the 70's and early 80's. Then we just never caught up after that. He was a wonderful friend and so very kind and compassionate. I send my condolences to his Mother and the rest of his Family. May Charlie rest in peace.

R. S.

September 30, 2014

My sympathies for the Rice family. May you and your loved ones find comfort in the promise found in Ps 34 : 17-18. May the God of all comfort continue to be with you during this difficult time.

Dru Pohl-Cunningham

September 28, 2014

I was saddened to hear that Charlie, as we knew him in high school, had passed on. He was such a good person and a friend that will never be forgotten. We dated some in high school and he was so much fun! Charlie was always a gentleman and always treated others well. He sent me roses one time, which, for a young high school girl was awesome! Those happy memories live on. I pray comfort on his family.

Molly Peterson

September 26, 2014

I have lovely memories of Chuck when he worked on landscape at First Presbyterian Church. I worked in the preschool there and he was so pleasant and cheerful, always speaking to people and making sure that his work was done to our satisfaction. Lovely man. People who work in the natural world seem more tuned in to the world and relationships, more appreciative of the gift, cycles and seasons of life. When lovely, kind people cross one's path it is a blessing. It was good to read that he loved so many people and was loved in return, though not a surprise.
A light has dimmed.

With sympathy to his extended family,

Marc Kilpatrick

September 26, 2014

I was deeply saddened to hear of Chuck's passing. I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Chuck when I moved into the Seven Oaks community. We also worked together on setting up the HOA Board. Chuck was such a kind individual and I will truly miss the conversations in the courtyard with him and Maggie. "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." May the memories of Chuck help you find peace.

September 25, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength from family and friends, as well as from our Heavenly Father. "Draw close to God. He will draw close to you."
James 4:8

P. Henderson, Cov., GA

Julia Short

September 25, 2014

Chuck and I were the best of friends even though I didn't see him as often in the last couple of years. He and I would talk at-length at our favorite hangout, Roxx. What a kind and gracious man with a wicked sense of humor. I will miss him so very much. I know his family will miss him more - he talked about you all often. My thoughts and prayers are with you. J. Short

Beth Sherwin

September 24, 2014

The world has lost a very special man. Chuck was funny, kind, and generous. He and Gary counted my children as family and were the best Uncles to them. We are going to miss Chuck so much. To the Rice and Buffington Families, I know your loss is great and my prayers are with you all.

Tina Cowan

September 24, 2014

Warmest sympathies to Chuck's family & friends. I first came to know Chuck in 2013 when my son Carson moved into Seven Oaks. His presence and care of his community were a blessing for those touched by him. I always looked forward to seeing he and Maggie during my visits with Carson. I will always remember Chuck's kindness.

G F

September 24, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.

~ V Austin

September 24, 2014

Sorry for your loss,my thoughts and prayers are with you.May you find comfort in God's word at 2 Cor.1:3-5.

September 24, 2014

Chuck began working with us at Paideia School in the mid-1980's on a major campus project and we never let him go. For over 25 years he helped us design outdoor spaces and with his colleagues took care of the major landscaping on the grounds. He was more than a professional we employed; he quickly became a member of the school family, establishing close friendships with so many of us. He would take care of the outdoor spaces like our very best teachers designed their classrooms. We were honored when he donated several trees and hardscape constructions in memory of his lifelong partner, Gary Buffington. A talented and loving man, and fun to work with: we will be able to remember him by looking outside our windows.
Paul Bianchi, Paideia headmaster.

Natalie Bernstein

September 24, 2014

I am so sorry to learn of Chuck's death. He was extraordinarily kind and always had a friendly word when I chatted with him at Paideia School. His gift with nature and the plant world was a treasure and I will miss seeing him. My thoughts are with his family.

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