Deacon Richard Rice Jr.

Richard Rice, Jr. was born on June 4, 1941, in Hampton, Virginia, to the late Nathan and Atlas Rice. He entered eternal rest on September 3, 2025, at Bridgeport Hospital, after a short illness while living with Parkinson's disease.
Richard grew up in Hemingway, South Carolina, known as the "Pee Dee" area, where he attended public school and graduated from Choppee High School, Class of 1959. A man of strong faith from an early age, Richard's devotion to God remained the foundation of his life.
After graduation, Richard relocated to Bridgeport, Connecticut. In his early years, he worked at a tire company, Norwalk Hospital, and as a limousine driver. He later dedicated 25 years of service to Raybestos (Raymark) and spent 22 years as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, retiring in 2012.
Richard had a lifelong love for music, especially gospel and quartet singing. He joyfully sang with many choirs throughout the years, and under the teaching of Teddy Meekins Jr., learned to play the guitar.
Richard met and married the love of his life, Alma (Smith) Rice. Together, they were blessed with nearly 62 years of marriage, celebrating their union on September 14, 1963. They became the proud parents of three children, two daughters and one son, building a strong and loving family.
In 1977, Richard joined East End Baptist Tabernacle Church in Bridgeport, CT. He served faithfully as a Trustee before being ordained a Deacon in 1991. Richard's powerful tenor voice could be heard in the Bridgeport Mass Choir, the Men's Chorus, and as an original member of the church's Praise Team. His devotion to the ministry was evident in his willingness to serve wherever he was needed, a true testament to his love for God.
Richard was also actively engaged in his community. He was a proud member of Confraternity Chapter #92 Order of the Eastern Star and an illustrious 33° brother of Confraternity Lodge #125, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry. At the time of his passing, he held the distinguished role of Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Deputy State of Connecticut.
Richard lived life with enthusiasm and passion. Whether bowling, learning to play bass guitar, taking flying lessons, driving long distances to visit family, or performing gospel music with his siblings and nephew, he embraced every experience fully. Known for his outgoing, laid-back personality, sharp sense of style, radiant smile, and uplifting words, he was truly a joy to be around.
Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He guided his children toward higher education, supported them in every endeavor, and took pride in being both a "girl dad" and a "boy dad", from dance recitals to walking his daughters down the aisle, to countless practices for sports and choir. As a grandfather, he was present at every stage, cheering his grandchildren on from birth through young adulthood. Beyond his immediate family, Richard was a "second dad" to many in his neighborhood and church community, remembered for his kindness, generosity, and giving spirit. Above all, he will be cherished for his unwavering faith and deep love for family and friends.
A lifelong sports fan, Richard cheered faithfully for his favorite teams: the New York Knicks and New York Mets.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Nathan Rice and Atlas (Hicks) Rice; his brother, William Rice; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Turner.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Alma Rice; his children: Sharon Rice Hayles of Orlando, FL; Myra Henley (Michael) of Laurel, MD; Annie B. Smith (niece, raised as a daughter) of Bridgeport, CT; and Richard D. Rice of Bridgeport, CT; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Kennedy Hayles and Sanaii Richards Rice.
He is also survived by five sisters: Mayloid Altman (Lorenzo) of Smithfield, NC; Senatha Turner of Conway, SC; Rachel Edwards (David) of Georgetown, SC; Ronnie Williams (Byron) of Jonesboro, GA; and Greta McCray (Dennis) of Norfolk, VA; and three brothers: Joe Nathan Rice (Alice Hampton) of Hemingway, SC; Bishop Connell Rice (Zettie) of Hemingway, SC; and O'Neal Rice (Barbara) of Hemingway, SC.
He is further blessed with his treasured Aunt, Lula Austin (100 years old) of Hampton, VA; close lifelong friends Bob Herring, Deacon Joe Wells, and Leroy Cuttino; and his godson, Theodore "T.J." McCray, Jr. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Richard's legacy of faith, family, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.