George F. Rice, Sr., of Columbia, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018. He was married to the late Eileen Scanlon and a son of the late Frank and Catherine Carrigan Rice.

Born in Turtle Creek, PA, he was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and Carnegie Mellon University. He served in the US Army Signal Corps and later retired from Westinghouse Corporation after 45 years as a Senior Engineer in 1996. George and Eileen loved golf and tennis. The USTA recognized George as a life umpire. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. George volunteered for SCORE and was a member of the Golden Kiwanis, Saraband, and the Rockbridge Club. His work with the Rockbridge Ice Show benefitted the Babcock Center. George's faith, courage and perseverance were a testimony to others.

Survivors include his daughter, Lorrie Rice Boni (Steve); son, George F. Rice, Jr. (Gena); grandsons, Andrew Rice, Christopher Rice (Alison); nephews, Frank, Neil, Jeffrey; nieces, Cristina, and Nicki. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine; brothers, Cornelius, Bernard, and nephew, David.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mr. Rice at 10:30 o'clock, Wednesday, May 30th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with The Rev. Msgr. Richard D. Harris, V.G. officiating. Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be held 12 o'clock, at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at 5 o'clock, Tuesday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd Ext. The family will receive friends following the Rosary until 7 o'clock.

His family is grateful to National HealthCare Parklane, as well as all the friends Eileen and he shared their lives with.

Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul's Society at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205, and the Kiwanis Club of Columbia, Golden K Foundation, 1650 Park Circle, Columbia, SC 29201.