Warner Myron Rice

Pastor Warner Myron Rice was born October 29th, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the seventh child of eight born to Warner Elliot and Myra Jean. His mother being the only Seventh-Day Adventist Christian in the household, she had a lasting influence on his life.

After having a somewhat tumultuous youth, he gave his life to the Lord and subsequently felt the call to gospel ministry. Pastor Rice initially pursued his post-secondary education at Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama with the words from his mother, "I have no money for you to attend school. I wish I could help. You're on your own." Consequently, he enlisted into the colporteur (literature evangelist) ministry to get funds to maintain his academic pursuits. He received high recognition for his ability and accomplishments in that ministry. Subsequently, Pastor Rice transferred to Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Theology. He later pursued advanced studies at Andrews University, where he received the Master's Degree in Divinity. He also pursued studies at Loma Linda University and Vanderbilt University, sharpening his skills in counseling, social work and administration.
It was during his educational endeavors at Union College, where he met his first love, Shirley. They subsequently were married and were blessed with two sons, Lowell Victor, who died as a child at age seven with cancer, and Shannon Arnold, the only currently surviving offspring.

Pastor Rice was blessed with a fruitful ministry, baptizing many, spanning over 40 years and characterized by his radiant smile, positive attitude and a warm, charismatic personality. He also possessed a melodic singing voice. He served and pastored in a number of locations including: Wichita, KS; St. Joseph, MO; Des Moines, IA; Kansas City, MO; Omaha & Lincoln, NE; St. Louis, MO; Sedalia, MO (where he built a church from the ground up); Sikeston & Charleston, MO; Little Rock, AR; Baton Rouge, LA; Dallas, TX; Oklahoma City & Tulsa, OK; Nashville, TN; Detroit, MI; and Atlanta, GA.
Pastor Rice later married Georgia, his last love with whom he served in ministry during his final years.

On Tuesday, September 25th, God allowed Pastor Rice to fall asleep in Him, after suffering for several years with C.O.P.D. and emphysema caused by his exposure to toxic chemicals over the years, coupled with inherited lung weakness.
He was the last living of his siblings and he leaves to survive his wife Georgia, beloved son Shannon, godson Northern James and a host of other cousins, nieces and nephews, ministerial friends with whom he served and others who loved and cared for him.

He resolutely held onto the God's promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

Let us all be comforted in knowing that this promise is a certainty and will be fulfilled very soon. We will be reunited with Pastor Warner Rice and all those who have fallen asleep in Jesus, for He that shall come, will come and will not tarry! Until then, let us renew active, loving relationships with God, so that this blessed hope burns alive within us. Funeral services for Pastor Rice will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Mt. Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Lloyd Jonson offficiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

(Lovingly written by Shannon Rice)