Roger Rice

Roger Raymond Rice was born on December 2, 1933, oldest son of J. Arlie Rice and Maude J. (Sheppard) Rice of Creswell, Maryland, proprietors of the Creswell Store.  He was preceded in death by his younger siblings Joyce Dunivant (Charles, dec.) and Richard (Dick) Rice (Brenda).  He passed away on May 28, 2022. 

Roger lived his entire life in Harford County, except for several childhood years in Lansdowne, Maryland.   A proud graduate of Bel Air High School (1952) and University of Maryland College Park (1959), he was the first member of his family to graduate from college and he prioritized education for his children.  Roger married Joanne Horky, daughter of Dr. J. Ralph and Margaret Horky, on August 17, 1963 at St. Ignatius Church.  They were married for 58 years.  He converted to Roman Catholicism in preparation for their marriage and was thereafter a devoted congregant at St. Margaret Church.  

Roger founded Rice Insurance Agency, later Rice and Associates, which he owned and operated with Joanne, and was a partner in RKS Realty.  Roger was happiest taking rides to see family and the many friends and acquaintances he had around Harford County. He loved his family, fast cars, bluegrass music, Maryland corn and tomatoes, Joanne's cooking, all animals, especially dogs, classic Coca-Cola, and tennis. He cherished travelling anywhere his family went, including the Outer Banks, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, the West Coast, Sunday drives, and the Caribbean on his daughter's sailboat. He and Joanne made lifelong memories going to New Orleans & Williamsburg numerous times and Italy twice with dear friends Dr. Bill and June Sacco. If there is a God, and he truly believed there is one, Roger is back on the tennis court, sending lobs up into the heavens. 

Roger is survived by his “one and only”, his loving wife, Joanne. He took great pride in his children: Gretchen Rice (Timothy Terry, dec.), Jessica Rice Johnson (Richard Johnson), and Rachael Rice (Judge David Carey), daughter-in-law Laura Rice.  He cherished his grandchildren Maggie, Liam, Lila, and Rosie Rice Terry and Emma and Molly Johnson.  And he held a special place in his heart for his granddogs and grandcats.  He is survived by many cousins who were dear to him: the Lenanes of McCann's Corner, the Sheppards, the Eatons, and the Rices, to name just a few. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. John Jeremy Rice. 

A family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 11am at Thomas Run Church 2546 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015. A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation michaeljfox.org to fund Parkinson’s research or St. Margaret Church, 141 N Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014.