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William (Bill) Edward Rice, 93 years, born & raised in Vero Beach. Married 70 years to Edith Harms of Wabasso. Served in the United States Navy. Longtime owner of Rice Bros. Laundry & Dry Cleaners with his brothers Warren and Edward Rice. Charter member of Asbury Methodist Church, Vero Beach.
Survived by his lovely wife of Edith (Harms), son William E. (Stephanie) Rice Jr., daughter Deborah (Michael) Green, son Pat (Barbara) Rice, daughter Mary Johnston; Six grandchildren, Justin (Jaclyn) Green, Kevin (Kristin) Green, Patrick (Summer) Rice, Lacey (David) Bernheisel, Amber (Brian) Mitchell, Tyler Johnston and fiancé Kristian; Six great grandchildren, Harper & Carter Green, Hunter and Luke Green, Evan Bernheisel and Finnegan Mitchell; Sister in laws, Jeanne (Bob) Rice and Carolyn (Warren) Rice; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his 6 brothers: Clark, Stephen (Bud), Byron, Bob, Warren, and Eddie. Bill was the last of the Magnificent 7.
Bill graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1946 and served as captain of the Fighting Indians football team in his senior year. He was an avid fisherman and a lifelong fan and supporter of VBHS Fighting Indians football.
Memorial contributions can be made to Fighting Indians Football Boosters, PO Box 6413 Vero Beach, FL 32961, or your charity of choice in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Tina stevens - Friend
April 28, 2021, 1:41 am
Mary and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sending thoughts and prayers to all. sincerely, Tina Stevens
Lori McCormick - Friend
April 30, 2021, 4:34 pm
Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.
Ann Freeman - Friend
April 30, 2021, 4:39 pm
Mary and family so sorry for your loss. Mr Rice was such a nice man. It was our privilege to have know him. Ann and Roger Freeman
Micky Decker - Friend
May 1, 2021, 12:19 pm
Edith, Mary and family I’m so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Lifting you and your family up in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Hancock - Family
May 1, 2021, 1:08 pm
Dear Aunt Edith and family, We are so sorry for your loss. The last of the “Magnificent 7” is joined together with his brothers. He was such a funny man and loved being with his family sharing stories. Dinner at 5:00, Bed at 7:00 and up at 4:00–such a Rice trait! Praying for the family and look forward to seeing you this week. Love to all. Sandra and William
Jeanne - sister
May 1, 2021, 10:38 pm
Dear Edith and Family …. I am very deeply saddened at the loss of your dear Bill. He was a wonderful and caring brother to Bob and me, and we loved him. He was always true to his ideals and beliefs and truly loved his family. It is comforting to know he is at peace now and rejoicing with all his brothers. See you soon! Love you all!
Dan & Kim Rice - Family
May 3, 2021, 4:18 am
Aunt Edith and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Uncle Bill. Like all “The Rice Brothers” we looked up to and respected him. We remember him as an independent, hard-working, direct and honest man. During our last trip to Vero, we so enjoyed visiting with Bill and you (Edith). Dan was flooded with fond memories of his dad-Byron, growing-up in Vero amongst the Rice clan and the tight bond of the brothers. We’re glad the seven will be re-united once again.
We’re disappointed we won’t be able to join you all at this week’s family gathering, our loss, but we are with you in spirit.
Love and hugs to you all,
Dan and Kim
Charley Cheney - 1st cousin, once removed, (or is that second cousin?) to Edith
May 7, 2021, 7:33 pm
Edith, “Little Bill,” Deb, Pat, & Mac, and families…. So sorry to have learned of “Big Bill’s” passing…. he always made us North Georgia cousins feel so warm & welcomed, even when you knew he couldn’t wait to get out of the house at 4 AM to get to the laundry & escape us rugrats back in the 1950s & 1960s….. and his always getting us into then-Dodgertown for the 4th of July fireworks…. and his big laugh….. Love to all….. Charley Cheney