Celebrating the life of
Herbert Lee Rice
June 26, 1945 - February 18, 2011
Herbert Lee Rice, 65, died Friday, February 18, 2011 under the care of Hospice Savannah.
Mr. Rice was born in Carthage, MO on June 26, 1945, the son of the late Arthur Herbert and Leona Evelyn Rice. Herbert was a 1963 graduate of Carthage High School. He received his formal education from Missouri Southern College, earning an Associates of Arts degree in 1966. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in Dong Ba Thin and Nha Trang Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged in 1971. Following his military tenure Mr. Rice attended Spartan School of Aeronautics where he earned his Certification as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. Herbert began his career with Gulfstream Aerospace Center in 1981 where he was employed for over 29 years, retiring in 2009.
Mr. Rice was well known throughout Savannah and Effingham County for his leather craftsmanship. He assisted many equestrian organizations with their leather needs. He also enjoyed blacksmithing, guns, bullet casting, reading, history, antiques, fishing and hunting. He was a member of the SASS Cowboy Shooting Team where he was known as "Jasper", a name which he acquired from his great grandfather, the late Jasper Rice. Herbert was a member of Rincon First Christian Church in Rincon, GA.
Mr. Rice is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Tuten Rice of Rincon, GA; son, Jason Herbert Rice of Rincon, GA; brother-in-law, Ronald Dolphus Tuten of Midway, GA; sister-in-law, Elaine Robbins Tuten of Midway, GA; brother-in-law, Brooten Edward Tuten, Jr. of Cartersville, GA; sister-in-law, Gloria Jean Tuten of Cartersville, GA; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great & great great nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Burial will follow at Midway United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mark McGarry, James Ashdown, J.R. Ashdown, Christopher Ashdown, Dylan McGarry and Mark Alan McGarry, Jr.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in memory of Mr. Rice to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
I knew Herb in Carthage Senior High school although he graduated two years before me. We were in ROTC together and then 'double dated' when he went out with a girl from my class. Indeed he always had a wisecrack and lots of energy. The Vietnam war scattered many of us away from Missouri but I still have those great memories of Herb.
- Patrick Batchelder, New York, NY
Herb was 2 years older than me in school, and I will always remember him as a friendly and courteous guy. I sympathy goes out to all his family and friends....
- Dixie Anderson Vacca, Carthage, MO
Nancy and Jason....Rita and I were so saddened to hear of Herb's passing..but I have the luxury of countless memories that will serve me well. We hunted, fished, wandered the hills of Southwest Missouri, and were as close as brothers. I'll never forget the cowboy hat he had with the little balls hanging from the brim....Herb was one of the good guys....a man of character, a man of his word. I'm pretty sure he's holding court with God this very moment, explaining the finer points of a six shooter. May the grace of God comfort you and Jason
- Charley Cherry, Round Rock, TX
I will miss my 'second' cousin's emails, our old family pictures, which he readily shared and his phone calls. He was a wealth of family history and he will be missed a great deal. He always had a kind word and a funny story to share. Our sympathy goes out to Nancy and Jason. Emma Fox-Gatica and Juan Gatica.
- Emma Fox-Gatica, Iowa City, IA
I had the good fortune to have worked with Herb in the Gulfstream Aerospace Service Center for a number of years. He was a talented technician admired for his skill, attention to detail and his sense of humor. He had a zany side that could disarm most of us. He mentored many young techs on their way into the business whom I am sure will remember him as fondly as I do.
- Jon stark, shelburne falls, MA
I knew Herb in Carthage Senior High school although he graduated two years before me. We were in ROTC together and then 'double dated' when he went out with a girl from my class. Indeed he always had a wisecrack and lots of energy. The Vietnam war scattered many of us away from Missouri but I still have those great memories of Herb.
- Patrick Batchelder, New York, NY
Herb was 2 years older than me in school, and I will always remember him as a friendly and courteous guy. I sympathy goes out to all his family and friends....
- Dixie Anderson Vacca, Carthage, MO
Nancy and Jason....Rita and I were so saddened to hear of Herb's passing..but I have the luxury of countless memories that will serve me well. We hunted, fished, wandered the hills of Southwest Missouri, and were as close as brothers. I'll never forget the cowboy hat he had with the little balls hanging from the brim....Herb was one of the good guys....a man of character, a man of his word. I'm pretty sure he's holding court with God this very moment, explaining the finer points of a six shooter. May the grace of God comfort you and Jason
- Charley Cherry, Round Rock, TX
I will miss my 'second' cousin's emails, our old family pictures, which he readily shared and his phone calls. He was a wealth of family history and he will be missed a great deal. He always had a kind word and a funny story to share. Our sympathy goes out to Nancy and Jason. Emma Fox-Gatica and Juan Gatica.
- Emma Fox-Gatica, Iowa City, IA
I had the good fortune to have worked with Herb in the Gulfstream Aerospace Service Center for a number of years. He was a talented technician admired for his skill, attention to detail and his sense of humor. He had a zany side that could disarm most of us. He mentored many young techs on their way into the business whom I am sure will remember him as fondly as I do.
- Jon stark, shelburne falls, MA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
