Edgar "Wayne" Rice

A graveside service for Edgar Wayne Rice, 86, of Grandview will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 21,2025 in Cleburne Memorial Cemetery at 405 Waters, Cleburne, Texas

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Edgar Wayne Rice, a cherished father, devoted husband, and unwavering friend to many. Wayne departed this world on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and kindness that will be remembered for generations.

Born on March 17, 1939 in Glen Rose, TX, Wayne grew up with a spirit of adventure and a deep commitment to family. His devotion to his mother along with his determination to help support her financially when his father suffered a heart attack, which left him to spend his remaining years in a nursing home, led Wayne to enlist in the United States Navy the day he turned seventeen.

During his 30-year career in the United States Navy, Wayne had multiple tours of duty in the Western Pacific, Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, including being at sea during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Guam, Okinawa, Scotland as well as many states in the contiguous United States. Wayne received several decorations, medals, citations and campaign ribbons while serving in the military. Some of these are Seventh Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal with Bronze Star and Sea Service Ribbon. However, his greatest military achievement was being appointed to and retiring with the ranking of E9 Command Master Chief after serving less than 20 years, of which only approximately 1% of Naval personnel achieve. After retiring from the United States Navy, Wayne had another successful career, working at Rubbermaid in Cleburne for 8 years, before deciding to retire – permanently.

No role defined Wayne more than that of a father. Although it wasn’t always seen by those around him, as a parent, he gave the purest gifts of tough yet unconditional love, gentle guidance, and a listening ear. He taught his daughters the value of integrity, hard work, and laughter, often sharing stories (sometimes sea stories) that inspired and memories that enriched their lives. To Wayne, family was everything, and his home was always a haven of warmth and welcome.

Wayne is survived by Sara Deering Rice, his loving wife of 63 years; daughters Kelli Lumm (Greg) and Shannon Jackson (Ross); grandchildren Randon Jackson (Emily), Dustin Lumm (Jessica), Raigan Thornton (James) and Ryan Lumm; great grandchildren Ryder Stokke, Renlee Stokke, Asher Messman, Eleanor Dahlheim, Rhoan Thornton, Rheya Thornton and Bennett Dahlheim; sister Shirley Kettler and many relatives and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Will and Lucy Rice, brothers Crawford Rice, Elbert Rice, Hubert Rice, Gene Rice, Orval Rice, sisters Ruby Case, Marguerite Dempsey, Willie Mae Garner, Jimmy Helen Rice, Christine Marsh, Doris Morris and granddaughter Mallory Ford.

Though he may no longer walk among us, the love, wisdom, and joy Wayne brought into this world will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace. You will be missed more than words can say and we LURV you more than you know.