Carlos E. Rice's Obituary
RICE, Carlos E., age 78, of Waynesville, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at his residence.
Carlos retired from General Motors in 1998 after more than 30 years of service. He was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church in Clarksville and a member of Waynesville Masonic Lodge #163. Carlos also honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.
Carlos was known for his deep faith, servant's heart, generosity, kindness, and welcoming spirit. He truly never met a stranger. It was often said that if Carlos met someone as a stranger, they would leave as a friend. Wherever he went, Carlos shared his love for the Lord and lived his faith through service to others.
Carlos found great joy in spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren. Family traditions were especially important to Carlos. For many years, the family enjoyed vacations in the Smoky Mountains, particularly in the Cades Cove area, where they found peace, reflection, and time together surrounded by nature. Carlos had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors. It was encouraged for everyone to contribute to the donation boxes at the beginning or end of the loop to contribute to the preservation of the park that captured so many treasured memories.
The winter months often found Carlos and Betty in Florida, where he spent countless hours fishing, particularly on Lake Okeechobee. Fishing was one of Carlos' greatest passions. Whether casting a line with family and friends or enjoying the solitude of a quiet day on the water, he was happy when he was fishing. He would carefully clean, prepare, and freeze the fish, setting aside enough to host family fish fries back in Ohio.
While spending winters in Florida, Carlos and Betty also enjoyed exploring local thrift stores together. Carlos often jokingly referred to himself as "Betty's Pack Mule," a title well earned.
Carlos enjoyed spending time in God’s word, reading and studying his Bible, working on jigsaw puzzles, berry-picking for cobblers and jams, gardening, and providing vegetables and flowers to family and friends.
Traveling was another passion of Carlos'. He and Betty shared many memorable adventures together, including trips to Hawaii and Europe. Among their most cherished experiences was a multi-week journey through Alaska. Their adventures created lasting memories and reflected Carlos' love of travel, the outdoors, and time spent with Betty.
Carlos was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Woega Rice; brothers, Phillip "Bud," and James “Jim”; sister, JoAnn Sheilds, as well as Harold Wayne and Elizabeth Ann, who both passed away as young children.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty L. (Gross) Rice; daughter, Christel (Paul) Wissman; grandchildren, Kerrigan (Jon) Hanselman and Kevin (Hannah) Wissman; five great-grandchildren, Cayson, Hayden, Benjamin, Ian, and Zayn; brother, Danny (Deb); sister, Marlene (Martin); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Hounshell officiating. Burial will follow in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton. Condolences may be made to the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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