Kenneth Lynn Rice, age 59, quietly stepped onto the ship of Zion, Thursday, April 9, 2020, at Bath Manor Special Care Centre in Akron Ohio. Kenneth, lovingly called Kenny, was born February 16, 1961, in Akron, to James L. and Estella (Foston) Rice. He attended Akron Public Schools and accepted Christ as his Personal Savior at an early age. In 1979, Kenny enlisted in the US Army and during his enlistment, he was stricken with a mental illness that changed the course of his life. Over the years Kenny fought several illnesses, never losing his joy for life.
Sadly, like many others during this COVID-19 season, Kenny was isolated from his family and friends as his health continued to deteriorate during his last four months of life. Through it all, he remained grateful to God, his family, and his medical care providers. His loving family take joy in knowing that Jesus Christ was forever present to help Kenny throughout his life and especially during the last stages of illness and transitioning into Heaven. Most of all, we “Praise God and Rejoice” that Kenny is now in his “Glorified Body” free from pain, confusion, sickness, and the cares of this world, to live with Jesus Christ forevermore.

Kenny lived life to the fullest enjoying the simple pleasures of chatting with friends and family, attending church, eating ice cream, fried chicken, barbecue ribs, celebrating holidays by dining with his Big Sister and family, watching TV, listening to music, playing cards, bingo and yes, during his allotted smoke breaks, he enjoyed engaging in a smoke. Kenny was a sweet soul and will be remembered for having a cheerful, kind and appreciative spirit toward everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving sisters, Gloria (Howard Lloyd, Sr.) Garden of Akron OH, Beverly (Winston) Mottley, of Decatur GA, Cynthia Rice, of Columbus OH; brother, James Gary Rice, of Akron OH; first-cousin, Hellen F. Turner, of Akron OH; Auntie, Mae Bell F. Echols, of Atlanta GA; nephews, Howard Lloyd Garden II, of Atlanta GA, Michael LeVar Garden, of Akron OH; niece, Heather Mottley, of Decatur GA; great-niece, great-nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.