Obituary for Troy Rice
Troy Leon Rice, 89, was called home peacefully to be with our Lord Thursday, May 14.
Troy, also known as Santa, was born on Thursday, November 12, 1931. Troy was loved by many, young to old. He will be remembered for his wildly entertaining stories, his random remarks, and his knowledge of all things. He was a teacher to hundreds and a mentor to many. Troy was known to be the man people often went to when they had questions. He usually knew the answer and if he didn’t, he always had some sort of advice. He was a “fix it” kind of man and there was never a task too big; he would always find a way.
In his younger years, you could catch him competing in motorcycle events for The Wooly Boogers, Iron Horse and Stump Jumpers motorcycle clubs. In 1968 he was ranked 3rd in the United States for professional motorcycle hill climbing. He served in the U.S. Military where he taught Small Engine Repair during the Korean war. He later became Corporal at Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas.
After meeting his wife in the mid 1950's they enjoyed camping together, they also belong to the Camping Squares where they made many great memories and made wonderful lifelong friends.
Troy enjoyed fishing with his son Lonny and would often be found at the lake with his family. He was always happiest outdoors with a fishing pole in his hand. He also loved to showcase his motorcycles as well as his cars, and has many trophies showing his success. Troy never met a stranger and enjoyed twirling anyone around the dance floor that would let him.
He was a member of two Masonic Lodges, Irving, and James V. Callan. He did a lot of volunteer work during Christmas time, taking the role as Santa Claus. His long white beard could be seen from a mile away. He was also a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
Although Troy’s passing was unexpected, his family was blessed to have had him for so many years. He was a man that was constantly on the go and made many memories throughout his time here on earth, which will all be cherished and kept alive. Troy is now riding his motorcycle with the Angels and we will continue to celebrate his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Sonny Rice and beloved wife Mary Lou (Roper) Rice. Left to cherish his memory are his son Lonny Rice and wife Philieza; grandson Joshua Cole Rice; granddaughter Heather Marie Melton’ granddaughter Laura Lou West; great grandchildren Hope Marie Alcantar, Gunner Leon-Earl West, Mary Jael Rice, Benjamin Joshua Rice and Bentley Waylon Rice as well as numerous loving friends.
Click here to watch a video of the service
Troy, also known as Santa, was born on Thursday, November 12, 1931. Troy was loved by many, young to old. He will be remembered for his wildly entertaining stories, his random remarks, and his knowledge of all things. He was a teacher to hundreds and a mentor to many. Troy was known to be the man people often went to when they had questions. He usually knew the answer and if he didn’t, he always had some sort of advice. He was a “fix it” kind of man and there was never a task too big; he would always find a way.
In his younger years, you could catch him competing in motorcycle events for The Wooly Boogers, Iron Horse and Stump Jumpers motorcycle clubs. In 1968 he was ranked 3rd in the United States for professional motorcycle hill climbing. He served in the U.S. Military where he taught Small Engine Repair during the Korean war. He later became Corporal at Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas.
After meeting his wife in the mid 1950's they enjoyed camping together, they also belong to the Camping Squares where they made many great memories and made wonderful lifelong friends.
Troy enjoyed fishing with his son Lonny and would often be found at the lake with his family. He was always happiest outdoors with a fishing pole in his hand. He also loved to showcase his motorcycles as well as his cars, and has many trophies showing his success. Troy never met a stranger and enjoyed twirling anyone around the dance floor that would let him.
He was a member of two Masonic Lodges, Irving, and James V. Callan. He did a lot of volunteer work during Christmas time, taking the role as Santa Claus. His long white beard could be seen from a mile away. He was also a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
Although Troy’s passing was unexpected, his family was blessed to have had him for so many years. He was a man that was constantly on the go and made many memories throughout his time here on earth, which will all be cherished and kept alive. Troy is now riding his motorcycle with the Angels and we will continue to celebrate his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Sonny Rice and beloved wife Mary Lou (Roper) Rice. Left to cherish his memory are his son Lonny Rice and wife Philieza; grandson Joshua Cole Rice; granddaughter Heather Marie Melton’ granddaughter Laura Lou West; great grandchildren Hope Marie Alcantar, Gunner Leon-Earl West, Mary Jael Rice, Benjamin Joshua Rice and Bentley Waylon Rice as well as numerous loving friends.
Click here to watch a video of the service