Eugene Rice

God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb, He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered, "Peace be thine." Eugene Rice, 64, a faithful deacon at Pilgrim Galilee Christian Church, entered into the garden of peace Thursday, April 2, 2015. Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, in the sanctuary of Beth-Eden Baptist Church, 3208 Wilbarger St., the Rev. B.R. Daniels Sr., host pastor, the Rev. N. E. Braziel, officiant, and the Rev. Lawrence Rice, eulogist. Visitation: noon to 5 p.m. Friday at Serenity Funerals & Cremations. Wake 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Pilgrim Galilee Christian Church, 2601 Pecos St. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven Mr. Eugene Rice was born August 13, 1950, in Fort Worth Texas to the late Mr. James Amos Rice and Mrs. Emogene Harris Smith. “And a time to learn and teach” Eugene attended school in Fort Worth. He graduated from I. M. Terrell High School in 1969 and later went to school to receive a    certification in being the head butcher for Winn Dixie. Eugene would often work more than one job in order to provide for his family.  Some of his jobs included FWISD, Star Telegram, Foremost Milk and Dairy, and Wonder Bread.  “And the Lord God said, it is not good that man should be alone…” On March 13, 1968 Eugene united in Holy matrimony to Wanda Williams at Allen  Chapel AME.  “God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth…” To this union were added seven children:  Lawrence, James and Marvin, Christina,   Olivia, Faustina, and Lea. Due to his dedication and commitment for family, Eugene devoted himself to the upbringing of four of his nieces: Beverly, Keisha, Judy, and Frankie, “A time to plant” Eugene confessed Christ in his young adult years and united with Love Sanctuary Church of God in Christ where he served in the    transportation, janitorial, and security ministry. In addition, he was an active and vibrant part of the men’s ministry.  “I will trust in the Lord…” A new era begins Eugene united in Holy matrimony to Roxie Spearman on June 27,1987 at Pilgrim Galilee Baptist Church, and with his love for Roxie he accepted her Daughters Hermisha Washington and  LaTrivious Bruce, and they remained in a   covenant marriage until his demise.  Eugene united with Pilgrim Galilee Baptist Church, under the late Reverend R. L. Spearman Sr., and served in several areas of ministry such as men ministry, janitorial, video, maintenance, and security. On March 27,1994 he was ordained as a deacon of the church under Pastor K. D. Davis. Eugene then decided that he wanted to make a career change and he went to worked for Jason’s Deli for 12 years as a delivery driver. He drove for several other local businesses until his health led to retirement. However, Mr. Rice, even in retirement choose to work part- time driving the bus for the McDonald Southeast YMCA.  “A time to mourn” He was preceded in death by his father; James Amos Rice Sr., mother; Emogene      Harris  Smith; sisters,Debra Ann Rice, Gale Rice; and  brothers,  James Amos Rice Jr. and Paul Pennigar “And time to die” Eugene quietly departed this life on Thursday, April 2, 2015 after a short illness at Kindred Rehab Center. “A time of peace” Eugene is now at peace and resting in the redemptive love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and will continue to live in the heart of those who knew and loved him.  “I will not leave you comfortless” He leaves to mourn his faithful wife of 27 years; Roxie Rice, his children; Christina Bailey (Dwight), Olivia Gilliam (Ronnie), Lawrence Rice (Kimberly), Faustina Anthony (Ralph), James Rice, Lea Theus (Carwin), Marvin Rice (Angel), Hermisha Washington, Latrivious Bruce (Bobby); his brothers, James E. Rice and Nathan Smith (Venelda); sister, Cecelia Whitson (Melvin); his brothers and sisters by his father are, Gwendolyn Penigar, Paula Penigar, Charles Ray Penigar,  Curtis Rice, Detra Johnson, Lewis Edward Rice, a devoted  uncle; Simon Harris, 15 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of friends and other relatives