Randall “Randy” Richard Rice, 66, of Wooster, passed away embraced by family members on July 11, 2023 after a long and hard-fought battle against cancer.
Randy was born in Wadsworth on November 15, 1956 to the late Charles Rice and Agnes (Hofstetter) Rice. He graduated from (Lodi) Cloverleaf High School in 1975 and worked for McElroy Packaging in Wooster for many years. He will be fondly remembered for his sharp, yet quiet sense of humor, his love of sports – he was an avid golfer and rooted for the Cleveland Browns and all Cleveland sports teams with an unbridled passion – his impeccable taste in classic rock, his disdain for anything made with mayonnaise, and his distinct, always perfectly groomed handlebar mustache.
He enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas and having fun in the sun in tropical locations in the Caribbean, along with his wife Paula “Beth” (Zingarelli) Rice who survives.
Randy and Beth married July 12, 1987 and were just one day shy of celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary at the time of his passing.
More than anything, Randy will be forever remembered as a loving, hard-working son, brother, husband, father and grandfather whose love for his family knew no bounds and whose children were so proud to call him Dad. He is survived by his children Melinda (Rice) Houston of Streetsboro, OH, Nathan Rice of Leslie, MI, Lindsay (Goldstein) (Greg) Blough of Wooster, and Stacey (Rice) Walter of Wooster.
Also surviving are his three younger siblings who he always enjoyed picking on with brotherly love, including Brian (Dawn) Rice of Lodi, Brad (Colleen) Rice of Lodi, and Lisa Rice of Cleveland.
Randy’s grandchildren always had a foremost place in his thoughts and one of his goals after being diagnosed was to see another one of his grandchildren graduate from high school. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, including Branton and Alexis Shepler, Connor, Cooper, Cuyler, and Orren Rice, Ali Ajian, Landon and Hadley Blough, and Zoe and Zane Walter.
True to his style, Randy will be remembered with a Celebration of Life luncheon Saturday, July 22 at the Wooster Elks Lodge at 335 N Market St, Wooster. All are welcome to attend and share stories and fond memories of Randy from 1p to 4p.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to a charity of their choosing in Randy’s name.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
So sorry for your loss
Randy was a true gentleman and friend to all. He was so easy going and fun to be with. He was loved by all that knew him and he will be truly missed. Keep those fond memories close within your heart. No more suffering.
Lisa, I am greatly saddened to hear about your brother’s passing. I can imagine the deep sadness if I lost my brother so I am sending you and your family healing energy now in the time ahead. I am so very sorry.
Sorry to hear about Randy I remember him well when Brian and I ran around together . Please except my prayers for all of you.
I remember Randy from being a schoolmate and a neighborhood kid. He always greeted with a welcoming smile and was a gentleman. Though we went in separate directions I see he had a full rich life. May he rest in peace. My sympathies to his family.
I am so sorry for your loss, I never got the chance to know Randy, but I worked with Beth and our daughters know each other. May your memories of Randy help in your healing. May he find peace in the arms of the angels.
Dear Beth, i am so sorry to hear about Randy. I truly always enjoyed you two coming in my office to plan an adventure. He was always so ready to go! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sorry to hear this. Had a chance to talk with him prior to the last class reunion. Great guy. Great classmate. Great family guy.
Beth, I am so sorry.
May God’s comfort & peace wrap around you and your family.
Let me know if you need anything.
So very sorry for your loss. I was in hopes of a visit with Randy on my next trip to Ohio but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. This gentle man remains in my heart ❤️ and prayers.
Thinking of you and sending hugs to brighten your day.
My heart goes out to all the generations of the family. Randy was always a fun and friendly cousin to me, so easy to talk to and such a kind and genuine person. Rest in peace.