Kerry Thomas Rice

After a challenging few months, we are saddened to announce the passing of Kerry Thomas Rice, on March 15th, 2025, at St Ann's Hospital. Kerry was born on June 4, 1947, to Russell and Ruth Winland Rice in Columbus, Ohio. 

He graduated from Brookhaven High School and attended The Ohio State University. He worked for many years in the insurance industry. After an early retirement, he joined the maintenance team at Worthington Christian Church, where he was a long time member and served as a deacon for many years. 

Kerry loved to travel. He enjoyed trips to Canada and to Lake Erie, especially when he could dine at Jolly Roger's. He also enjoyed gardening and his specialty was cherry tomatoes. He could always make his family laugh. The Grandkids thought he had the best Daffy Duck impression ever. We will think of him every time we see a PBS documentary or hear Lawrence Welk. 

Kerry is survived by Sharen, his wife of 55 years; children Melodie (Patrick) Tingler, James (Dreama) Rice, and Joel Rice; grandchildren Jared (Charlotte) Goodykoontz, Molly (Kyle) Rossman, Shannon (Grant) Kemmerling, Megan Morris, Erin & Alexis Rice, and PJ, Lorene & Josie Tingler. He was blessed with great grandchildren Annelise & Savannah Goodykoontz, Levi Morris, Mason & Ryleigh Kemmerling, and was looking forward to the arrival of Isla Rossman next month. Kerry is also survived by his sister Johnna Kollmer and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Roger Rice, and his granddaughter Bethany Goodykoontz. He will be forever loved and never forgotten. He was definitely one in a million!

We will be gathering to remember and honor his life on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Worthington Christian Church, 8145 N High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43235. Visitation at 11:00am and the service to follow at 12.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund (they conduct research and help people on dialysis) or a memorial gift to the Marblehead Lighthouse, that he enjoyed visiting every summer.