Paul Foster Rice (1957 – 2015)
Paul Foster Rice passed away peacefully at his home on May 17, 2015 with his wife and children by his side.Paul was born on April 8, 1957 to Mr. and Mrs. William Russell Rice, Sr. He was a graduate of Jackson-Central Merry High School (1975), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1979), and Nashville School of Law (1984).
Paul married Lisa Murray Rice in 1979. In 1985, the loves of his life, twins, Megan Elizabeth and Paul “Michael” were born. In 2014, he became grandfather to Olivia Rice and Amelia Latta, whom he adored.
Paul practiced law in Nashville, TN before returning to Jackson to practice with his father and brother in the firm of Rice & Rice, P.C. Paul later practiced law in the world of motor sports racing, working on contracts and sponsorships for NASCAR and Indy car teams. He went to Japan twice with NASCAR teams. Paul was part of Pagan Racing, who won 2nd place at the Indy 500 in 1999. Later, Paul practiced telecommunications and environmental law, focusing on alternative fuels. He also was the West TN Coordinator for the Clean Cities Coalition. Paul’s integrity, honesty, and kindness were all driving forces in his work and daily life. Paul had a great sense of humor and was loved by all who met him.
JACKSON Tenn – Paul was preceded in death by his father, William Russell Rice, Sr.; his brother, William Russell Rice, Jr.; and his mother-in-law, Cooper Turner Murray.
Paul leaves behind his mother, Edna Earl Curdts Rice; his wife, Lisa Murray Rice; his children, Megan Rice Latta (Robert) and Michael Rice (Leah); his grandchildren, Olivia Parker Rice and Amelia Rose Latta; his sister, Craig Rice Stallings (Tom); and his brother, George David “Dave” Rice. Paul also leaves his special cousin, Linda Rice Jones (Johnny), and father and mother-in-law, John and Betsy Murray.
Additionally, Paul leaves his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Gena Murray Mandle (Mike), and their children, Ely and Sybil; Chris Murray Mahoney and her children, Connor, Cooper Ann and Jackson; Cooper Murray (Kristine) and their children, Spencer, Turner, and Cooper; and Tripp Murray (Maureen) and their children, Luke, Collyn and Bridget.
Paul loved being an uncle to his nieces and nephews listed above, as well as to Alyson Rice Robinson, Will Rice, Eliza Rice Kolakowski, Greg Stallings, Carrie Stallings Williams, Cyra Rice Brashear, Lezlie Rice Mackie and Chase Rice.
Funeral services for Paul were held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church in Jackson.
Paul was a big supporter of organ donation and he would encourage everyone to consider becoming an organ donor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the church he was baptized, confirmed, married, and watched his children baptized in: First United Methodist Church, 200 South Church St., Jackson, TN 38301.
