Dennis Rice

Dennis James Rice age 70 was called home to be with the Lord and his loving wife Vivian Rice on March 9, 2025 at 5:46 pm at Carbondale Memorial hospital. Dennis was surrounded by his son Jonathan D. Rice, his "adopted" daughter Michelle Arriaga-Prince, and her husband Jacob M. Prince. His entry into heaven was very peaceful.
Dennis was born June 24th, 1954 in West City, IL. He married the love of his life Vivian Lynn Rice on December 23, 1977. Their son Jonathan David Rice was born August 5, 1982. Over the years of his life he graduated high school from Benton High School in Benton IL, Graduated from Rend Lake College in 1974, then graduated from SIU-C with his bachelors of Science and a minor in journalism. Most importantly he became ordained into Ministry in May of 1982. He became a pastor of The First Apostolic Church in Christopher. Along with his accomplishments he also taught history at Unity Christian School in Herrin IL from 1986 to 1989. Lastly, he eventually retired from Maytag in Herrin, IL. Dennis had a smile that would brighten anyone's day and a laugh that would fill a room. Nobody was a stranger to him. He loved talking about sports, television shows, family, and preaching the word of GOD. Dennis worshiped the Lord with his whole being. He was a devoted Cubs fan his whole life. He attended any sporting event that he could possibly get to. Dennis was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Dennis had a heart of gold.
Dennis devoted his life to his family, Jonathan Rice (Carbondale, IL), adopted daughter Michelle Arriaga-Prince (Mt. Vernon, IL), grandson Christian T. Arriaga (Christopher, IL), Granddaughter Alycia K. Rice (Mt. Vernon, IL), grandson Nykolas D.Rice ( Mt. Vernon, IL}, grandson Daniel F. Rice (Mt. Vernon, IL), and great granddaughter Selena Michelle Rose Botello (Mt. Vernon, IL).
Dennis was proceeded in death by his mother Elouise(Adams)Rice, father Clifford Rice, his baby sister Cheryl Lynn Rice, sister Joyce Smith, brother Gerald (Doc) Rice, and his wife Vivian Lynn Rice.
Dennis was cremated and his ashes will be laid to rest next to the love of his life Vivian Rice at a later date. A celebration of Life will be held at that time.
Any donations for Dennis James Rice can be made to the Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, IL.