Reverend Robert D. RiceSeptember 23, 1937 - July 24, 2026

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

It is with heavy hearts and the hope of eternal life that we announce the home going of our extraordinary, beloved, and oh so funny Husband, Grandpa, Poppy, Pop, Robert Rice. Robert peacefully entered the presence of his Lord on July 24, 2026, with his wife of 58 years by his side.

Robert was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful pastor, and lifelong servant of Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, his greatest calling was sharing the hope of the Gospel and loving his family well.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Frances Rice, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and ministry.

Robert was the proud father of Aaron (Ericka), Andy (Rochelle), Adam and Angela Kay. He was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Rice.

He also leaves behind a precious legacy through his grandchildren: Jake, Kristin (Ethan), Sierra (Aaron), Shiann (Devin), Andrew, and Amanda (Justice), along with his great-grandchildren Easton, Jaxson, Brooklynn, Crew and Wesson, each of whom brought him great joy.

Early in his life, Robert owned and operated many businesses throughout Oklahoma and Texas. A true engineer at heart and a gifted craftsman, he had an incredible ability to build and create. Whether it was engines, computers, buses or buildings, he approached every project with skill, ingenuity, and determination. He found great joy in working with his hands and took pride in bringing ideas to life.

Robert was not raised in a Christian home, but at the age of 30, everything changed. After hearing evangelist Bud Chambers preach at a revival, Robert surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in a life-changing encounter with the Lord.

Much like the Apostle Paul, Robert's encounter with Christ radically redirected the course of his life. With an unwavering faith that God would do exactly what He promised in His Word, Robert answered God's call to preach. The same grace that transformed Robert's life at the age of 30 became the message he faithfully proclaimed for the rest of his life.

For decades, Robert faithfully served the Lord in ministry. He traveled extensively as an evangelist, preaching revivals and sharing God's Word wherever He called him. Robert and his family traveled on Silver Eagle buses that he built himself, holding revival meetings across many communities. Robert and Frances faithfully pastored churches, including congregations in McAlester, Oklahoma and Shreveport, Louisiana. Later, he pastored for 20 years at the Center of Christian Ministries, now Gracepoint Church in Pasco, Washington, continuing to encourage and disciple others through his unwavering faith.

Whether standing behind a pulpit, traveling to share the Gospel, or simply spending time with his family, Robert's life reflected his deep love for Christ. He was known for his servant's heart, his commitment to God's Word, and his desire to point others toward the hope found in Jesus.

The final years of Robert's life were marked by health challenges, but they were also marked by the faithful love of his family, who walked beside him every step of the way. His earthly struggles have now given way to perfect peace in the presence of his Savior.

His family finds comfort knowing that the man who faithfully preached about Heaven throughout his life has now received the promise of eternal life that he so often proclaimed. He is healed and worshiping at the feet of Jesus.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Gracepoint Church, 1915 North Road 84, Pasco, WA at 11:00 am. Robert will be laid to rest alongside his family in Paris, Texas.

"There is a hello after goodbye, a blessed reunion promised in time. We will be with them far longer than we were without - no doubt. No more tears in our eyes in that beautiful, wonderful hello after goodbye".