Funeral services for Gary Dean Rice, age 74, of Colbert, OK, will be held on Thursday, November 20th. The family will receive friends at American Funeral Services in Denison, TX, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Burial and graveside services will follow at Garden of Memories in Colbert, OK, at 1:00 p.m. Gary passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Gary was born on November 12, 1950, the son of Johnny Lee Rice and Velma Deen Sangster. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the United States Navy. He enjoyed playing golf in his free time and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Colbert.  He was a retired Volunteer Fireman with the Colbert Department. He was known for his kind heart, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and his love for talking with people. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Johnny, and his mother, Velma.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon; brother Lyndell Rice and wife Becky of Colbert, OK; brother James Rice and wife Margie of Sherman, TX; and brother Johnny Rice of Cartwright, OK. He is also survived by his son Gary Jr. and wife Lacy of Oxford, NE; son Nicholas Rice of Denison, TX; and daughter Emilie and husband Brian Petty of Colbert, OK.

His grandchildren include Nolan Petty, Elijah Petty, Brooks Petty, Gracie-Ann Petty, Penelope-Jane Petty, Morgan Rice, Laney Pritchett, Jacob Rice, Wyatt Rice, Hattie Rice, and Lucas Rice, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Honorary pallbearers are Lyndell Rice, James Rice, Johnny Rice, Gary Rice Jr., Mark Petty, and Brian Petty.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Online guest register at www.americanfuneralservice-fh.com