Paul E. Rice

Paul E. Rice, age 93, of Augusta, died Friday afternoon, October 28, 2016 at Brookdale Senior Living in Battle Creek. He was born March 28, 1923 to Harry B. and Chloe (May) Rice in Paintsville, Kentucky. After graduating High School, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served during WWII in the Panama Canal Zone. After being discharged from the service, he attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a BA in Business.

Paul married Blanche Standley in 1948 and started his business, Rice's Jr. Boot Shop which he owned and managed until 1988. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche in 2008; his parents; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Paul and Blanche had 5 children, Aaron (Gail) Rice, Rebecca Zahler, Phil (Jean) Rice, Ruth Westenbroek, and Mark (Marymarie) Rice. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Adam, Anna, Keith Jr., Carolyn, Sara, Tyler, Andrew, Chloe, Carley, and 4 great grandchildren, Ashton, Nolan, Catherine, and Aidan.

After retirement, Paul continued his lifelong love of golf as a greens keeper at the Gull Lake View Golf Course. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, and gardening. Paul was a longtime member of the Day Bible Church where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School.

A family graveside service to celebrate Paul's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Day Cemetery, Ross Township. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. A Memorial Gathering and Family Reunion is also being planned for June 24, 2017 with the times and location to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Day Bible Church, C/O Gail Rice, 135 Baseline Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Paul may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.