William Eugene Rice

William Eugene Rice passed away December 15, 2023, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on June 6, 2025. Gene was born on September 12, 1933, in Dallas, Texas. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a flight engine mechanic. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science Aeronautical Engineering degree at Oklahoma University and a Master of Science Aeronautical Engineering degree at Southern Methodist University.
Gene began his civil career as a propulsion engineer at Ling Temco-Vought Corporation in Dallas. Following President John F. Kennedy's announcement that the U.S. would put a man on the moon, Gene went to work at NASA where he began his career at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) managing the fuel cell and electrical power system for the Apollo Lunar Module. He participated in the Apollo 13 Mission Evaluation Team that developed a working system to bring the crew back to Earth. Over his long career at NASA, Gene made significant technical and programmatic contributions to the Apollo, Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. He also held the positions of Earth Resources Program Manager and Director of Space and Life Sciences Directorate.
After retiring from NASA, he was Director of Systems Engineering and Integration for Grumman Aerospace Corporation where he led the Critical Design Review that resulted in the Space Station design that is flying today. Following his distinguished space career, he worked with the Federal Aviation Administration on air traffic system development and safety risk assessment.
Gene enjoyed traveling, golf, gardening, music and theatre, and he loved and was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Lyn Wigbels; children Janet Scribner, David Rice (wife, Suzie), Shelli Turner (husband, Eddie); grandchildren Tiffany Turner-Bleeker, William Turner, Austin Rice, Bill Rice, John Rice, Michael Rice, Thomas Hernandez, Travis Hernandez; great-grandchildren Mackenzie Musto, Brandilyn Musto, Shellsea Musto, Isabel Rice, Conner Rice, Ireland Rice, Declan Rice, Nova Turner; and great great-grandson Jayfus Musto. Predeceased by daughter Karen Carlisle, grand-daughter Jennifer Wingate, parents William Henderson Rice and Bessie Marie Cannon, and sister Susan Archer.