Obituary

Thomas Bailey Rice, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Majestic Care Hospice in Crown Point, IN surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on August 10, 1933 in Anderson, South Carolina but lived his childhood in Gastonia, North Carolina.

He is survived by his daughter: Carol Lynn (Chuck) Baker from Louisiana; sons: Anthony (Erina) Rice and Michael (Tabitha) Rice both from Indiana; two grandsons: Hunter and Gavin Rice; sister: Sally Pasour; and numerous nieces and nephews all from North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Judith in 1996 who he was married to for 36 years; his parents: Byard and Cora Rice; brother: Raymond Rice; and sister: Carrie Seigler.

Thomas was a Rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953. In the same year, he was honorably discharged so that he could go home to help his family who were going through hard economic times on the farm. Thomas worked for Conrail Railroad as a Conductor for 37 years. Thomas enjoyed bingo and poker in his free time.

Thomas will always be remembered as a very hardworking man who genuinely and fiercely cared for the welfare of his family. Up until the end, he would call his family regularly to make sure everyone was ok.

There will be a visitation held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm at Lily Cremation and Burial, 2700 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN 46368. Interment will follow at McCool Cemetery in Portage, IN.

Visit Thomas’ online guestbook at www.LilyFuneral.com 219-663-2500.