Eugene Rice, Sr.

Eugene Rice, Sr. was born on March 30, 1940 to his loving parents Rev. Robert James Rice and Arlene Covington Rice in Eutaw, Alabama.  He passed away on May 17, 2024 at the age of 84. 

Eugene Rice, Sr. enlisted in the United States Army on October 20, 1960 where served in the Vietnam War. He was an honest and faithful Serviceman.

Eugene was educated in the Birmingham Public School System, and attended Carver High School, graduating with the class of 1957.  He was employed at General Steel Tank Company & Tull Metal Company in Birmingham, Alabama.  After retiring from the steel companies, Eugene became a Bus Driver for the Birmingham City School System for twelve years.  

Eugene Rice, Sr. professed his life to Christ at an early age. He became a faithful member of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church and worked tirelessly in his church and throughout the Birmingham District of the North Alabama Conference. At Trinity A.M.E. Zion, Eugene served as the Preacher’s Steward and the Lay Council President.  He was also President of the Stewards board, sang in the Men’s Choir, served as the Sunday School teacher for the Men’s department, and served on the Evangelism team.

Eugene Rice, Sr. was married to the late Martha Thomas Rice. They united as one in Holy Matrimony in April of 1963. A union that lasted for 54 years; six children: Chandra Thomas, Eugene Rice, Jr., Allison (James) Brown,  Elizabeth Ann Rice (deceased), Tracy (Jeffrey) Gregg, and Monique (Jessie) Benson; ten grandchildren: Christian Thomas, Courtney Hale, Christopher Thomas, Nathaniel Lamar Thomas, Sr., Clarence Hale III, Jerrien Rice, Jeffrey Gregg II, Jalyn Gregg, Jada Rice, Jeremy Rice, James Brown, Jr., Brittany Brown; five great grandchildren: Nathaniel Thomas, Jr., Kobi Thomas, Camille Hale, Camello Hale, Arrius Thomas; one brother Lloyd Rice (living) and the following siblings who have transitioned to be with God: Benjamin Rice, Willie Rice, Jimmy Rice, Leon Rice, Edward Rice, Carolyn Faye Rice Horton, Ethel Rice Edwards, Mary Covington, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and the Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church Family.

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