March 27, 1941 – October 20, 2024
Jerry W. Rice, 83, of East Ridge, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was born in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, to the late William and Dorothy Rice. In September of 1961, Jerry joined the United States Army Reserve, where he served his country with honor and distinction. He discharged from the Army Reserves in 1967, and in September 1971, he married the love of his life Brenda. For over sixty-three years they have lived in the Chattanooga Northwest Georgia area, their love and bond growing stronger with each passing day. Jerry was a member of Standifer Gap Baptist Church in Chattanooga. Jerry's love for people was evident in his sociable nature. He would often sit in his garage and visit with friends and neighbors, and he always enjoyed going to estate and yard sales, finding bargains and antiques. When he was at home and not at a yard sale, he enjoyed watching television shows about bargain and antique hunting. Jerry enjoyed going fishing and spending time with friends and loved ones. His family was his greatest treasure, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Jerry was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, William Kerr and Dorothy Leona Rice, and his children, Serlina McPherson, Jerry D. Rice, and Vickie Lowe.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of sixty-three years, Brenda Jane Rice; daughter, Belinda Barnes of East Ridge, Tennessee; sister, Patsy Newby of Lafayette, Georgia; grandchildren, Bobby Smith, Alicia Seidel, Melissa Solomon, and TC McPherson; and great-grandchildren, Kasen, Aubry, Maia, Hunter, April, and Amanda.
A graveside service to honor Jerry's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Calvary Gardens in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
The family deeply appreciates your prayers and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and understanding have been a source of comfort and strength.
