September 13, 1957 ~ June 15, 2024 (age 66)
Obituary
Funeral service for Terry Rice, 66, of Nacogdoches will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Laird Funeral Home with Dennis Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Laird Funeral Home.
Terry Lynn Rice passed away on June 15, 2024 at the age of sixty-six after his thirteen-month battle with stomach cancer.
Terry was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on September 13, 1957 to Oran Glynn and Rosa Fae Rice of Nacogdoches. Never venturing far from home and family Terry began a career at NIBCO in 1975 as a senior in high school and after graduation gave the next 15 years of his life to that company. On May 12, 1978 he married the love of his life Nancy Higginbotham and they immediately began building a life and family together. Soon after two sons were born David then Scott of whom he thought the world of and would over time grow more and more proud of the both of them. After receiving a knee injury at NIBCO, Terry decided to make a career change and started employment with Johns Manville in Nacogdoches in year of 1989, soon to be named, JM Clipper, known now as Parker-Hannifin and for the next 31 years Terry loved working there. He made many strong and lasting friendships working for a company that treated him like family. He was given many opportunities for advancement and was very proud of all that he was able to accomplish there.
Later in life Terry fell in love with the Lord and devoted his life to God. He became a born-again child of our Lord and King Jesus Christ and for the last 12 years of his life was a member of Appleby Baptist Church where he faithfully served the Lord.
Terry and Nancy were happily married for forty-six years. He enjoyed telling stories, helping people, loved playing forty-two, hunting, fishing, the great outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He was always ready to brighten your day with a funny joke. He had a knack for making friends easily and accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and a sincere smile. He will be remembered for his heart of gold and wonderful sense of humor that he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and he will dearly be missed. He was a loving husband, terrific father, great friend, and a very special pappy/pawpaw.
We will forever remember the wonderful memories made and time spent together. He will no doubt hold a special place in all of our hearts.
Terry is survived by his wife, Nancy Rice of Garrison, Texas; son, Scott and wife Ashley Rice of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; son, David and wife Julie Rice of Garrison, Texas; Granddaughters, Payton, Abigail, Madalyn Rice; sister, Judy and Husband Rayburn Waggoner; brother, Jerry and wife Kelly Rice and many nieces and nephews all of whom he loved so much.
Terry was proceeded in death by his parents Oran Glynn Rice and Rosa Fae (Langford) Rice, and Sister Evonne Rice.
Serving as Pallbearers are: David Rice, Scott Rice, Randy Higginbotham, Russell Hornbuckle, Randy Phillippe, Joel Self, Eddie Whitaker, Mike Colby.
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