Tom M. Rice

Obituary For Tom M. Rice

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., Rosemont M.B. Church, 3930 South Drive, Jackson, MS 39209 with burial in Autumn Woods Cemetery, 4000 W. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39209.

The Life and Legacy of Tom Matthew Rice I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 Today we celebrate the loving memory and legacy of Mr. Tom Matthew Rice - a father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, friend and colleague. Tom was born on December 26, 1957 to the late Mr. Joe Nathan, Sr. and Mrs. Eddie B. Rice in Crawford, Mississippi. On Friday, October 25, 2019, he departed his earthly life and entered into his heavenly home. Tom was united in marriage to Brenda G. Giles on June 19, 1982 and they shared many years of love and devotion to each other. To this union two children were born -- Darius L. Rice and Valencia Shante Rice, as well as a beloved granddaughter, Sydney Marie Lorthridge. They were all the joy of his life and gave him strength throughout his life’s journey. Tom also leaves to cherish his memories five brothers: Reverend Joe Nathan Rice, Jr. (Vickie) of Starkville, MS; James L. Rice (Ann) of Crawford, MS; Reverend Jimmie L. Rice (Evangelist Shavelle Faye) of Starkville, MS; Jerry L. Rice (Lutisha) of San Francisco, CA; and Zebedee Rice (LaDonna) of Starkville, MS; three sisters: Eddie Dean Harris (Odie) of Starkville, MS; Loistine Baker (Reverend Ray) of Starkville, MS; and Henrietta Jones of Starkville, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Reflecting on Tom’s life and legacy, he accepted Christ in early years and united with Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Starkville, MS. He later joined Rosemont Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, MS under the leadership of Reverend Jimmie Lee Edwards. Tom loved the Lord and one of the joys of worship service was the music ministry giving praise. He embraced the services/hymns in addition to the choirs, he loved songs from his mother, relatives and Pastor Charles Brown and Jimmie Lee Edwards. He utilized his talent as a master craftsman, as well as a brick mason to serve Rosemont M.B. Church and showed his dedication and love by building and renovating in any way needed. He served humbly in this capacity. Tom’s early school years were spent in Crawford, MS where he attended B.L. Moor High School. Upon graduating, he attended Jackson State University on a football scholarship and his love for the sport heightened. Tom served as captain of the team. During his tenure, he was full of life and motivated his team members and anyone he met with his humorous personality. Continuing his legacy, Tom was one the most dominant offensive lineman in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) from 1977 to 1980. He was a member of the nation’s best offensive lines on one of the nation’s best offensive teams. Tom was recognized for his individual performances and was named an All-SWAC member at center position and as an offensive tackle. Following Tom’s college career, he served as assistant football coach and later as head coach at Lanier High School in Jackson, MS from 1980 - 1990. He was instrumental in molding the lives of many young people and athletes, as well as assisting them in pursuing college careers and further. Other sports he served as head coach for while at Lanier included track and field and soccer. Along his journey, Tom instilled great work ethic in his children and other youth. He was respected and loved for the drive he instilled as well. There was never a dull moment while in his presence. In 1990, however, Tom’s health began to fail which led to his early retirement from the sports and administrative arena. During the years that followed, he pursued his love as often as he could via assisting middle and high school youth and AAU teams as a volunteer. He simply could not stop drawing football plays every day. As his son and daughter developed the talent and love for basketball, this sport soon became a favorite and his coaching skills once again began. Both excelled under his guidance and his son’s career escalated to professional level where he played around the world. Both received scholarships in their chosen sport. Academics was paramount and they both excelled here as well. A final accomplishment in Tom’s legacy occurred in 2013 when he was honored for his many years of dedication by being inducted into the Jackson State University Football Sports Hall of Fame. Theses are inductees raised the standards in this field of sport and went on to have successful careers and a positive impact on their communities. Rest in the Lord’s Kingdom soldier. Heaven has gained another angel.