of Paris, AR
February 1, 1944 - May 10, 2025
Jerald Wayne Rice, 81, of Paris, Arkansas passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
Jerald was born February 01, 1944, in Paris, Arkansas to his parents, Horace Rice and Lillian (Cooksey) Rice. Before retiring he worked as the Regional Manager for Arby's Restaurants throughout the Arkansas River Valley area and worked at Rheem Manufacturing in Fort Smith for many years. He was the president of the Paris Coal Miners Museum and loved to watch the birds in his yard, collect coins, marbles and watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren and their Yorkie dog Queen Cleopatra (Cleo), he loved spending time with them.
He is preceded in death by his previously mentioned parents, his first wife, Verna Sue (Melton) Rice; two brothers, Arlan and Garlan Rice; three sisters, Sandy Rice, Velda Cooley and Orene Gattis.
He is survived by his life companion of twenty-six years, Karen Turner; two sons, David Rice and companion, Karrie Kae McClure of Paris and Dennis Rice of Lewiston, Idaho; a daughter, Debbie Lovelace of Paris, Arkansas; three stepdaughters, Susan Spradlin and husband, Jason of Conway, Arkansas, Betsy Baker and husband, Austin of Little Rock, Arkansas and Summer DuMond and husband, James of Little Rock, Arkansas; two sisters, Freeda Brown of Booneville, Arkansas and Elsie Hanan of Russellville, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren, Alex Lovelace and fiancee, Rylee Beth Pennington, Brodie Lovelace, Carrie Sue Thomas, Ashley Rice, Kayce Rice, Derek Rice, Tyler Turner, Zak Spradlin, Lance Spradlin, Hudson Baker, Beau DuMond and Weller DuMond; four great grandchildren, Penelope (Penny) Lovelace, Jennings Lovelace, Addy Rice and Kira Rice; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Roller Funeral Home in Paris with burial to follow at Baxley cemetery.
Funeral arrangements and service are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Parrott, Peyton Parrott, Alex Lovelace, Brodie Lovelace, Tyler Turner and Austin Baker.