Charles Andrew Rice

Charles Andrew Rice
March 10, 1928 - July 10, 2016

Charles Andrew Rice peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2016. He was born on March 10, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in Metropolis, Nevada and Gridley, California. He served in the US Navy (1948-1952) as a radio operator during a portion of the Korean War. He served an LDS mission to Auckland, New Zealand (1952-1954) where he met his sweetheart Polly Enoka and later they served together in the New Zealand Temple mission (1997-1997). In 1954, he and Polly were married. They were blessed to adopt their four children and resided in Clinton, Utah for 55 years.

Dad had a devout love for his country. He was privileged to sail around the world while serving on the destroyer USS Dennis J. Buckley 808 and later worked at Hill Air Force Base for 30 years. In addition to singing patriotic songs on the ukulele, Dad also loved singing hymns with Mom. Dad was dedicated and passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Bishop of the Clinton 1st Ward, he raised money and labored many hours in the building of two new churches. Dad was equally dedicated to his family. He frequently told his children, "No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can call me and I will be there for you."

Honoring family traditions and heritage remained a key aspect of Dad's life. Dad embraced Mom's Maori culture, made annual trips to Metropolis to decorate his mother's grave, and always played a grand "Happy Birthday" on the piano at monthly family parties. Dad enjoyed turning simple melodies into beautiful piano arrangements that were always dedicated to his sweetheart. Dad also enjoyed tending to an immaculate yard and was quick to share delicious vegetables from his garden. Dad never asked for anything and material possessions meant very little. Saving and being prepared for the future were very important to him. Dad didn't judge others and truly loved everyone "a whole bunch."

Although we will miss him dearly, we know that a magnificent reunion has taken place with his sweetheart Polly, parents, and siblings that preceded him in death. He is survived by his four children, Arlin, Lauretta Sechrest (Scott), Lani Hoye (Jeff), and Laurn (Katie); 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a sister Marlene Hansen (Blaine).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy. Friends and family may call at Myers Mortuary Friday, July 15, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

Burial will be in the Hooper Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.myers-mortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, our family would appreciate donations being made to the LDS church humanitarian or missionary funds http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy
5865 South 1900 West
Roy, UT 84067
July 15, 2016
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceMyers Mortuary - Roy
5865 South 1900 West
Roy, UT 84067
July 16, 2016
11:00 AM
CemeteryHooper Cemetery
5290 South 6300 West
Hooper, UT 84315
July 16, 2016
12:30 PM