Patrick James Rice

Patrick James Rice passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 4, 2024.  Mr. Rice was born on January 15, 1942, in Chattanooga, TN to the late Helen Brennan Rice and Albert Anthony Rice.

Mr. Rice graduated from Aquinas High School in 1959 and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama in 1963. He then graduated with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law, in 1966.

Upon graduation, Mr. Rice joined the law firm of Hull Barrett where he practiced until his retirement in 2020. He specialized in the area of defense litigation as well as copyrights, trademarks and employment law.

While he was a highly respected and accomplished lawyer, Mr. Rice was also a servant leader who believed in making a positive impact on others, his community and profession.   

He served in leadership roles for numerous professional organizations including President of the Young Lawyers Club of Augusta, the Augusta Bar Association and the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a member of the Federation of Insurance Counsel.

Mr. Rice was recognized for his professionalism and contributions to his profession on a number of occasions.  He was the recipient of the Thomas Lynn Allgood Award, given by the Augusta Bar Association; the annual Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Award, given annually by the State Bar of Georgia; and the St. Thomas More Award, nominated by all Federal Judges in the Southern District of Georgia in recognition of public service throughout their career as a member of the legal profession.  Mr. Rice was also the recipient of the Gautrelet Award by Spring Hill College, which honors an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and high integrity.

His community service was extensive. He was appointed by the Georgia State Legislative delegation as the first Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Elections; he was Chairman of St. Joseph Hospital on two occasions; Chairman of the Wake Forest University Parents Council; a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Augusta, the Augusta Country Club, and Aquinas High School Parents Council.

He served as Vice Chairman of the Augusta General Aviation Commission, Director of Augusta Tomorrow, Inc., President's Advisory Board of Medical College of Georgia, Spring Hill College Board of Visitors, Wake Forest University Board of Visitors, Vice Chairman of Parish Council of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, Irish American Heritage Society Grand Marshall of the 2012 St. Patrick’s day parade, a Board Member of the United Way of the CSRA, and the Boys and Girls Club of the CSRA.

Mr. Rice was known as a man of deep faith who was devoted to his family.  He was married to the love of his life and college sweetheart, Susan Meyercord Rice, for 57 years. He loved his family, sports, his hometown, Augusta, and the Georgia Bulldogs. He had a quick wit and keen sense of humor which he shared frequently and liberally. His warmth and sincerity was always evident as he treated everyone he encountered with genuine respect and kindness. Mr. Rice loved to engage with friends and family on any occasion.  He especially enjoyed conversations at the dinner table on wide ranging topics with plenty of funny stories.  As a father and grandfather, he showed his great love for kids of all ages teaching them to ride a bike, throw a football, shoot a basket or just take a walk on the beach and discuss life lessons.  Whether you were family or friend, he always had time to listen and had your best interest in mind.

Mr. Rice is survived by his wife, Susan Meyercord Rice; his children, Tara Rice Simkins (Turner), Patrick James Rice, Jr. (Ginny), Susan Rice Adamson (Rob), and Edward Albert Rice (Wendy). Grandchildren: Nathaniel Turner Simkins, Jr., Patrick Brennan Simkins, Christopher Hampton Simkins, Patrick Albert Rice, Braeden Parker Rice, James Woodruff Adamson, Emma Clare Adamson, Robert Pierce Adamson, Edward Albert Rice, Jr., Walker Glendon Perry and Charlotte Greenlee Perry. Brothers-in-law and Sister-in-law: Edward Bernard Meyercord, Jr., (Anne), Francis Duffield Meyercord (Bunny), Pamela Meyercord Allen, Frederick Wade Meyercord (Phyllis); and numerous extended family.

Pallbearers: Edward Bernard Meyercord III, Quinten Charles Stevens, David Samuel Meyercord, John Duffield Meyercord, Miceal Gerard Chamberlain, Jr., Christopher Wade Meyercord, Edward Bryan Mitchell, Peter Anthony Franklin, Jr., Thomas Brady Stoughton

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the special caregivers who have assisted in Mr. Rice’s care throughout his courageous fight with heart disease and stroke recovery: Susan Johnson, Leon Lewis, Marcus Dickerson and Irma Green.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to: Press On Fund (PressOnFund.org) or Aquinas High School - Building on Tradition (Aquinashigh.org/aquinasfund).

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church by Father Gerald Ragan on Monday, January 8^th, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Family will receive friends in the Parish Hall beginning at 1:00 pm. Interment will be held at Westover Memorial Park following Mass.