John B. Rice, 66, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer.
His life was guided by a strong faith in God. During his final days, he marveled many times about what a wonderful gift faith is. He was dedicated to his family who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Sher, his constant caregiver and best friend; daughter, Sierra; twin sisters, Marie Rice, Joan Rice (Larry Momchilov), and Nancy Crouch (Bill). He was the son of the late Nancy and John Rice of Rootstown, Ohio.
He retired as Executive Vice-President of Michelin, North America, and traveled the world on business trips. He mentored many during his career. He was chairman of the first Michelin and American Heart Association "Heart Walk." He was a most humble man with numerous accolades, but his proudest moments were the accomplishments of his daughter, Sierra.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he graduated from Muskingum College and received his master's degree from the University of Akron. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church of Simpsonville, where he found comfort before the Lord at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel.
He was an avid runner and enjoyed immensely manicuring his lawn into looking like a golf course green. He found serenity when he was home in Ohio on the family farm in Rootstown, where he grew up and delighted in driving the antique Ford tractor.
Among the many prayers he loved, this one came from a prayer book from his mother, who also deeply cherished her faith: "Keep my words kind, my thoughts positive, and my actions loving, as were those of Christ. This I ask in His name. Amen."
The family greatly appreciates the kindness and care given by the Cancer Centers of the Carolinas and the 4th floor nursing staff and Chaplain Father Bart Leon at Greenville Memorial Medical Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012, by the Rev. David Misbrener at St. Peter of the Fields Church, 3487 Old Forge Road in Rootstown. Interment will follow at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown. A funeral Mass was celebrated in South Carolina on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Simpsonville.
His life was guided by a strong faith in God. During his final days, he marveled many times about what a wonderful gift faith is. He was dedicated to his family who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Sher, his constant caregiver and best friend; daughter, Sierra; twin sisters, Marie Rice, Joan Rice (Larry Momchilov), and Nancy Crouch (Bill). He was the son of the late Nancy and John Rice of Rootstown, Ohio.
He retired as Executive Vice-President of Michelin, North America, and traveled the world on business trips. He mentored many during his career. He was chairman of the first Michelin and American Heart Association "Heart Walk." He was a most humble man with numerous accolades, but his proudest moments were the accomplishments of his daughter, Sierra.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he graduated from Muskingum College and received his master's degree from the University of Akron. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church of Simpsonville, where he found comfort before the Lord at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel.
He was an avid runner and enjoyed immensely manicuring his lawn into looking like a golf course green. He found serenity when he was home in Ohio on the family farm in Rootstown, where he grew up and delighted in driving the antique Ford tractor.
Among the many prayers he loved, this one came from a prayer book from his mother, who also deeply cherished her faith: "Keep my words kind, my thoughts positive, and my actions loving, as were those of Christ. This I ask in His name. Amen."
The family greatly appreciates the kindness and care given by the Cancer Centers of the Carolinas and the 4th floor nursing staff and Chaplain Father Bart Leon at Greenville Memorial Medical Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012, by the Rev. David Misbrener at St. Peter of the Fields Church, 3487 Old Forge Road in Rootstown. Interment will follow at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown. A funeral Mass was celebrated in South Carolina on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Simpsonville.
