Gerry Stephen Rice

Garry Stephen Rice, 64, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, formerly of Matthews, NC, died peacefully on March 1, 2026 from a very fast spreading cancer. Born on April 28, 1961, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Garry was the son of Donald and Loretta Rice who predeceased him.

Garry graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School before earning both his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Garry devoted nearly forty years of his career to Duke Energy, serving throughout that time as an environmental, health and safety lawyer. He led the EHS legal department for many years, helping build and mentor a strong team as the company grew. Garry played a key role in licensing and permitting new generation projects, hydro-relicensing, and guiding the company through complex environmental regulations. In later years of his career, he found great joy in mentoring young lawyers, sharing his deep knowledge, practical wisdom, and genuine love for the company. He was valued not only for his expertise, but for his kindness, approachability and steady presence.

Garry had a big, fun personality and it left an impact on everyone he met. He was known for his friendliness, love of conversation, had a gift for connecting with people and took genuine interest in others. Sometimes, when describing someone, you'll hear it said "they never met a stranger". But a better description for Garry would be "he always met a stranger!" He would make it a point to initiate a greeting or a conversation with just about anyone he had the chance to! His family was the heart of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Garry and Susan had almost 43 years of marriage together and God blessed them with 3 cherished daughters, 3 treasured sons-in-law and 10 adored grandchildren. Garry loved his days at his and Susan's beloved property in Wilkesboro. The property provided him with countless hours of enjoyment as he hunted, maintained trails, fished occasionally, and kept the pool ready for summer fun. He especially loved it when all his children and their families could gather together there for the 4th of July.

A man of deep faith, Garry's relationship with Jesus Christ was central to his life. He found great joy in studying theology and doctrine and read through the Bible numerous times. Garry understood himself to be a sinner in need of a Savior and he sought to live a life devoted to Christ. He loved sharing the gospel - that God offers salvation, forgiveness and eternal life through the life, death and resurrection of His son, Jesus. Garry is living eternally in Heaven and for that we rejoice!

Garry is survived by his wife, Susan Carroll Rice; his daughters Hanley Rice (Michael Woody), Kelsey Hymel (Jon), and Ellie Mosteller (Logan); and his grandchildren: John Grey, William, Bennett and Camellia Woody, Miles, Bowen and Reid Hymel, Hazel-James, Rosemary and Autumn Mosteller. He is also survived by his sister Karen Reece; her son Chris Wiksell (Susannah); and their three daughters.

Garry's memory will be cherished by all who knew him. May his unwavering faith and love for others continue to inspire those whose lives he touched. A Memorial Service will be held on March 7, 2026 at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews NC. The service will be in the main sanctuary at 1:00 with visitation and a reception afterwards.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Rice family.