Eddy Rice, age 85, of Early, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Family will receive friends for visitation at Heartland Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00PM on Friday, April 4, 2025. Funeral services for Eddy will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Heartland Funeral Home in Early. Interment with Military Honors will be held following the service at Greenleaf Cemetery.
Eddy was born on May 14, 1939 in Apple Valley, California to Mary and J.W. Rice. He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1956, then attended college at Howard Payne University and University of Texas in Austin. Eddy enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and then served in the Army National Guard for over 6 years. He married the love of his life, Verle Gifford, on March 18, 1961, in May, Texas. After being honorably discharged, Eddy owned his own business, Rice Roofing, for 10 years, and worked for the Santa Fe Railroad as an engineer for 30 years. Together, Eddy and Verle were faithful members of Coggin Ave. Baptist Church in Brownwood. Eddy was an enthusiastic bridge player. He received Life Masters from the American Contract Bridge League. He also loved playing 42 every week, and was an avid fisherman and bowler. On the weekends, you could find him cheering on the Brownwood Lions as well as the Dallas Cowboys. Eddy also enjoyed wildflowers and gardening.
Eddy was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, James Rice Jr.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net