William Paul Rice Jr

September 5, 1943 - August 26, 2020

William Paul Rice Jr. 76 of New Concord, OH., Lost his long time battle with Parkinson’s disease on August 26, 2020 at the Beckett House with his three children lovingly at his side. If you knew Paul you know he lived his life the way he wanted to and liked to keep things simple. We wrote his obituary in Paul’s style. Paul was raised on his parents farm in New Concord. He loved being on that farm and told countless stories of his youth with his brother Dave and sister Marty. Paul was an ornery brother to Dave and told how he picked on Dave pretty hard during their early years and always laughed that one day he found himself up in the air and hanging by his belt in the barn when brother Dave got a little bigger and stronger. He was a loving protector of his sister Marty and could be found holding her hand and walking her to class during recess when she was starting school and scared. He cared for all types of farm animals and enjoyed showing horses in his youth at the county fair. He loved fair week as he and Dave got to sleep in the horse barn hay mounds for the week and spent many hours “cruising” the midway. He loved playing high school football and had many friendships that lasted a lifetime, he had classmates visit him regularly. Paul went to the Navy after high school and served aboard the USS Warrington and USS Enterprise. He had many stories to tell of the ocean, the ships and of the ornery times he had with his shipmates. He loved to tell the story of he and his shipmates saving Elvis Presley in a bar fight after a show one night and how thankful Elvis was and how he went on to be so famous. Paul came home from the Navy and tried factory life but the outdoors were his love and he started cutting timber as a young man. He was still cutting timber when he was afflicted with early onset Parkinson’s disease and had to retire. Paul loved the ladies and was married to several beautiful women. He leaves behind his children, Tim (Charla) Rice, Tammy (Brad) Mathers and Ashley Rice; his brother Dave (Lou) Rice; his sister Marty (Lane) Garber; his grandchildren, Tyler (Bri) Rice, Teahl Rice (Qui Nguyen), Cole, Collin & Clay Mathers; and several cousins, nieces and nephews to mourn his loss. Paul was preceded in death by his parents William Paul Rice Sr. & Essie Lois (Satcher) Rice. His children honor his free spirited ways and the hands on father he was. He enjoyed teaching them about animals, the outdoors and the ways of the world. He was full of knowledge and kindness. He was generous with what money he had and was always helping people. He would give his last dollar to a stranger if they needed it. Paul loved everything about horses and was still working with horses in his retirement. He was injured by a young horse that required surgery on his shoulder and went to the Beckett House for rehab but wasn’t able to recover with the Parkinson’s disease. Paul continued his ornery ways there and in true Paul fashion, had employees and residents both that loved him and mourn over his loss. Special thanks to Mindy and Chrissy for their loving ways with our Dad. In keeping with Paul’s wishes private graveside services have already taken place. In lieu of flowers Paul would love it if you planted a tree in his honor. Paul’s online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.