Richard Lee Rice

Richard Lee Rice, 76, of West Blocton, Alabama passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by those who loved him. Richard was born on March 21st, 1950, in Ohio to Clarence and Wanda Rice. The world grew stronger, safer, and kinder on the day Richard came into it. And on the day, he left, it lost a man whose life was defined by service, loyalty, and devotion to the people he loved. A proud United States Army veteran, he learned early what it meant to stand tall, serve with honor, and protect those around him. He served the 192nd Airborne assault helicopter during the Vietnam war. His commitment to service didn’t end when he hung up his uniform. He continued that calling in the community he loved, serving as a Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy, then as a Birmingham City Firefighter, offering protection, steadiness, and compassion to those who needed it most. He was a member of the West Blocton Church of Christ, a Jack of all trades, a pilot, mechanic, engineer, welder, electrician, scuba diver, with a love of hunting and fishing. But to those who loved him, his greatest titles weren’t earned through badges or uniforms. They were earned at home — Husband, Daddy, Poppa, Brother, and Friend. He was the one who showed up and the one who could fix anything. His stories, his humor, his stubborn streak, and his unwavering loyalty will be carried forward by everyone blessed enough to have known him. His legacy is one of courage, service, and love — a legacy that will live on in the lives he protected, the people he helped, and the family he cherished. Richard Rice is survived by his wife Letitia Rice, his children Karen Lane (Jon), April Davis, Nikki Dearman (Thomas), Leslie Edwards (Adam), Jordan Pierson-Rice (Demi), Kristen Pierson-Rice and Zach Pierson-Rice. His grandkids Amber, Cody, Kyle, Maddi, Houston, Savannah, Ethan, Harley, Weston, Ava, Jordie, Lettie, great grands Ayden, Vanessa, Camryn, Lucy, Sister Pat Reeder, Mother-In-Law Shirley A. Bush and a host of nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Clarence F. Rice and Wanda B. Wheeler Rice, his brother Fred E. Rice and Father-In-Law John T. Bush. A service honoring his life will be held at McCalla Memorial on April 22nd, 2026, where family and friends will gather to remember the man who gave so much of himself to his country, his community, and his loved

Richard Lee Rice

March 21, 1950 - April 20, 2026