Sylvester Rice

"This is MY DADDY"

Sylvester Rice passed away on Friday, February 13,2026 at the Ignite Medical Resort in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born on January 19, 1937, in England, Arkansas to Mary Elmore Rice and Theodore Rice. He is preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

After completing high school, Sylvester completed courses as a Ground Radio Operator at Keesler AFB, Miss and as a Crypto Operator at Scott AFB, Ill. He then in 1957 joined the Air Force for nine years and while there was awarded a National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal .

My DADDY was married to the love of his life, my MOM, Bettye Lynn Dorn who passed away May 3, 1985. I, Keati Rice Taylor, was adopted at the age of 16 months by my mom and dad.

MY Dad loved law and constantly read Law books and in his later years was an Attorney in Fact for a number of folks. He had a Legal Aid service.

My Daddy's legacy is celebrated by his Daughter Keati Rice Taylor (David), granddaughter Kamilah, one sister, Emma Smith, one brother Louis Rice and the Owens brothers; Philip Owens(Christene) Fred Owens (Patrice)and Larcenia Owens; the many folks he wrote letters for and stood up for what was right at all cost.