Charles F. Rice

Charles F. Rice was born in Bakersfield to Clemie and Oscar Rice on Oct. 31, 1934. He was the sixth child in a family of 10 children. Charles passed away after a short illness on Feb. 10, 2024.

Charles farmed cotton and alfalfa in Bakersfield from 1952 until 1959. He enjoyed this time being in the ag industry. He worked for Pure Gro as a dispatcher and later as a manager in Tulare County. Later he worked as a purchasing agent for Souza Enterprises in Hanford, retiring after 24 years.

Charles married Joyce Allen on Jan. 23, 1953, at the Shafter Southern Baptist Church. They celebrated 71 years of marriage in January of 2024. A Rice family reunion is held annually at the Shafter Southern Baptist Church, and Charles attended every year until he was unable.

Charles was a quiet man who loved the family he grew up in. His favorite singer was Frank Sinatra. Favorite song was “I Did It My Way,” as he felt it expressed his own life.

Charles dearly loved his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter Diana Perry (Norman); sons Kerry and John (Selena); grandson Alec; granddaughters Rabekah and Joanna Rice, Stefani, Christies Perry, Nicole (Perry) and McDonald (Brad); and great-grandchildren Mason Perry Thomas, Addison and Bexlee McDonald.

Charles also is survived by sisters Loraine Mouser and Carrie Etta Thomas; brothers James, Ray and Harry; and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceasing him were brothers Lum, Louie and Henry Rice; sister Mary (Rice) Daniels; son Mark Rice; and newborn granddaughter Kacey Lee Perry.

Services were held Feb. 21 at The Ark Community Church in Visalia.