Paster "Pat" Ray Rice

Paster (Pat) Ray Rice, age 81, of South Charleston, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026. He was born on June 28, 1944, in Kingston, Ohio, Pickaway County, to the late Robert E. Lee Rice and Irma M. (Herman) Rice.

Pat attended Logan Elm High School and later graduated from American Technical Society in Building Estimating and Contracting. He retired from Local 24 Sheet Metal Workers International Dayton, Ohio. Pat also proudly served in the United States Army as an Airborne infantryman. On May 14, 1965, he married Gloria J. (Holloway) Rice. He was a member of Fielding Lodge #192 of South Charleston, AASR Valley of Dayton, York Rite Springfield, O.G.A. and American Legion Post #176 South Charleston. Pat was always willing to help whenever and wherever he was needed. He enjoyed attending Crosspoint Church in Springfield and spending time with his family.

Pat is survived by his wife, Gloria; children: Tonya Jean (Rice) Mercer and Shawn Ray Rice; grandchildren: Kaitlin Combs and Samantha Rice; siblings: Gary Rice, Rositta Rosales, Tony (Norma) Rice, and Joanna Rice; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Alyssa Jean-Marie Rice; brothers: Terry Rice, Bill Rice, and Robert Rice; and sisters: Connie Rosales and Lisa Spittler.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Richards, Raff, and Dunbar Memorial Home, 838 East High Street, Springfield. Funeral services officiated by Pastor Moore and Pastor Blevins will immediately follow at 12:00pm. Pat will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.