William B. Rice

William B. Rice, 92, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Rosedale Green.  He was born in Covington, KY to the late Bernard and Mary (McCafferty) Rice on April 19, 1931.

Bill grew up in Northern Kentucky and graduated from St. Joseph Prep School in Bardstown, KY.  He attended Nazareth Hall Minor Seminary for two and a half years and studied one semester at Thomas More College.  Bill was drafted in the United States Army where he served a total of two years, eighteen of those months were spent in Germany.  After coming home, he began working for his father at Blue Grass Provision Co. He attended many workshops and seminars geared towards business and specifically meat packing and meat science.  Bill later became the CEO of company.

In 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Julie.  They built a life together and had four wonderful sons. Bill and Julie were parishioners at St. Paul Catholic Church for many years before moving to Mother of God in Covington.  He served as retreat captain for over twenty-five years and served several terms as president of the Holy Name Society.  Bill was also the co-founder of St. Paul’s school board and parish council.  Bill was active in the Cursillo movement in 1975 serving as team member, Sacristan and lastly Lay Director for the Diocese. He was a leader for Christ Renews His Parish for several years. As if that wasn’t enough, Bill was led to serve as a Lector and as a Eucharistic Minister to the sick. He was a volunteer chaplain at Christ Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospice and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Bill had an unwavering faith and love for God.  He had a great sense of humor and a huge heart.  For all who had the privilege of knowing and loving this great man, they are truly blessed.  He will be missed beyond measure.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents, Bernard and Mary Rice; wife, Julie Rice; sister, Mary Claire Rice; brother, Glenn Rice, sister-in-law Aurelia Rice, and brother-in-law, Dick Schulte.

Those left here to carry on his legacy are his sons, Steve (Kim) Rice, Paul (Laura) Rice, Joe (Kathy) Rice, Billy (Susan) Rice; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and one on the way; sisters, Sue Schulte, Lynn (Mike) Toner; brother, Jay (Lynn) Rice; brother-in-law, Dave (Holly) Mayerchak; numerous nieces, nephews and dear friend, Andrea Lonneman.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Mother of God Catholic Church 119 W 6^th Street, Covington, KY 41011.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 pm at the church.  Bill will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, KY.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Bill’s name to the American Diabetes Association.