R. Rice Nutting

Rufus Rice Nutting

R. Rice Nutting, 99, passed away at Treyton Oak Towers, in Louisville, KY, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after a brief illness.

Rice was born in Decatur, Texas on October 11, 1925. He was the son of Rufus C. Nutting, and Gertude Rice Nutting. He was a United States Army Air Forces veteran who served in WWII. He was assigned to a B17 heavy bomber and was an aerial tail gunner during the war. He was stationed in the United Kingdom and flew numerous combat missions in and around Germany, France, and Belgium.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, his Master's from Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He was a professor of music at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, for 39 years, and the church organist and choir director at Park Street Church in Boston, MA for 26 years.

Rice enjoyed photography, listening to, performing in, and attending classical music concerts. He also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, reading and loved spending time with his wife of 70 years, Eloise.

Rice and Eloise spent years traveling, first in just a pop-up tent trailer, then moving up to RV trailers and camper vans. They traveled in their RV all over the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you couldn't find them, they were probably on the road somewhere. Most importantly, Rice was a loving, dedicated, and devoted caregiver to his wife Eloise in her declining years.

Rice is preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Martin Nutting and his son Joel Rice Nutting. He is survived by his daughter Daralee (Mark), son Todd (Mary Beth), 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was a member of the Highland Baptist Church, enjoying worshiping with his Sunday school class which he often referred to as his second family.

Funeral services will take place at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY. Visitation will be on September 24, 2025, from 9:30AM – 11AM, followed by the service at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Highland Baptist Church, Louisville, KY.