Terry Eugene Rice

Terry Rice was born on July 6, 1935 in Aurora, Illinois. His parents were Virgil and Gertrude. Terry grew up in Aurora and later in his teen years moved to Yorkville, Illinois.

Terry attended and graduated from Yorkville High in a class of 36 in 1954. Terry played football, basketball, and baseball and lettered in all three sports. Terry was a star in baseball. Terry met his future wife Joanne Johnson in high school. Upon graduating from high school Terry joined the marines where he served from 1954 through 1956. Terry was stationed in camp Pendleton near San Diego and he also was stationed in Hawaii during his service time where he spent much of his time as a heavy equipment operator.

On August 4, 1956 Terry married Joanne Johnson and they had two children; Scot the first born and then Amy three years later.

When Terry left the Marines; he started with the Pacific Telephone company first as a pole climber, then recruiter, then instructor, then he became a manager and eventually Terry became a high level manager as he transcended to AT&T. Terry worked there for 32 years before retiring at 50 years old.

Terry and his wife themselves built a very nice log cabin home in Forest Hill, California with the help of many family members. This was to be the house he thought they might grow old in. However, there were health issues and the two decided to move to Salem, Oregon where they would be near a good hospital. Joanne passed from cancer in early 1999.

Terry struggled over the next few years. He did have his wood working hobby and his bowling and grandchildren but he was also lonely. In 2008, his life was changed forever. He met Arlene Puente at a bowling alley of all places. He was attracted to her but there was much more that he didn't know. One Sunday morning he became a born again Christian and this changed his life. Terry and Arlene were married March 29, 2008. Terry continued to grow in the lord. Several years later, Terry was living at a large retirement home that also had Sunday services. One Sunday, the chaplain that was supposed to speak could not be there. Terry was asked to fill in. One Sunday turned into six years of preaching the word of God. Terry has brought many people to the lord over the years including helping bring Arlene's daughters and his son to the Lord.

Terry is survived by his wife Arlene, son Scot, daughter Amy, step daughters, Debbie and Lynn, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Terry had several favorite charities that he believed really help people. Ells ministry that helps people in Africa, tunnel to towers, Mercy Ships and others. If Terry were here to speak today, he would say give what you can to others and give with all your heart.

I want to leave you with these final words that Terry loved. "Love one another."

Be Blessed