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 1, 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 and 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.
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10 Condolence(s)
William Scrudder
Thursday, May 22, 2025
My prayers are with all of you. May God bless and keep you in this time of sorrow.
Judy L Pennington
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Karen
Sending you my heartfelt condolences. May you and your family find peace with your memories of Jerald.
REBA ROLLANS MOORE
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
TO JERALD'S CHILDREN AND KARNE & HER CHILDREN, I WANT TO SAY HOW SORRY I AM TO HEAR THIS NEWS. I CUT JERALD'S HAIR FOR YEAR AND HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE CUSTOMERS. KIND OF LIKE A BROTHER TO ME. HE WAS JUST AN OUTSTANDING PERSON AND WILL BE SO MISSED.. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
Tiffany Tirrell
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
My heart goes out to the whole family and everyone affected by this. Jerald was a great man and I am truly blessed to have known him and this family. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and in my heart. Sending love and healing energy to you all.
van and diana rogers
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Gerald was a good friend and always very nice to me and my family. My condolences to the family. God bless all in this time of sorrow, but know that we will see him again one day!! Van and Diana Rogers
Bill and Debbie Mikles
Monday, May 12, 2025
So sorry to hear this, may he RIP. Jerald was a good man.
Vickie Short
Monday, May 12, 2025
Prayers to famlly and friends
Rebecca Bowen
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Much love to the family may he rest in peace
me and my children where blessed to know
Jerald always so kind and loving such a wonderful person gone to soon ❤️
Paula King
Sunday, May 11, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. (((Hugs)))
Ruthie & Bill Burkett
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Debbie & Dennis, thinking & praying for your family during this sad time.