Walter Rice JR

Walter "Waldo" Rice, Jr. 62, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in DeRidder, LA. Walter, the son of the late Walter Rice, Sr. and Dorothy Mae Martin Rice was born on May 18, 1962, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation will begin Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder. Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder with Pastor Michael Harris officiating.
Waldo was a 1981 graduate of DeRidder High School. He served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1980-1982. It's hard to find the right words to describe someone like Waldo. He was a person whose presence lit up every room, who loved dressing sharp, laughing, and whose spirit was as free as the wind. Waldo had an infectious sense of humor that could turn any situation into a moment of joy. Whether he was cracking a joke to Kay about her being an anemic or simply sharing a funny story, he had a way of making everyone around him feel lighter and brighter and more connected. But Waldo was more than funny. He was an excellent artist and incredibly intelligent. His kindness was unmatched. Waldo niece and nephews loved him, he was considered the cool uncle. His compassion was something that stood out to all who knew him, and he also knew how to make others feel like they mattered. Above all, Waldo loved his family, his love for everyone was deep, unshakable, and unwavering. Rest in peace Waldo, you will always be loved, always missed, and never forgotten!!!
Those left to cherish Walter's life are his mother, Dorothy Mae Rice; brothers, Robert L. Rice and wife Shelia of DeRidder; and Andre R. Rice of DeRidder; sisters, Marlin Rene Conway and husband Craig Conway of DeRidder, Kay Meadoh and husband Freddy Meadoh of Indiana and Catherine "Sue" Yearby; he was formerly married to Donna Rice, who stuck with him to the end. His love will continue to live on in a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Preceded in death by his father, Walter Rice, Sr.; brother, Frank Martin; sister, Minnie Bell Glynn.
Thank you for being here today to celebrate the life of Waldo, someone who meant so much to so many of us.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Robert Rice, Andre Rice, Freddy Meadoh, Craig Conway, Thomas Ayala, John Luke Ayala, and George "Man" Glynn.