William E. “Bill” Rice
William E. “Bill” Rice died just after midnight on November 13, 2023. He was born January 29, 1934, in Goshen, Indiana, to John and Eva Lena Rice. He was the seventh of eight children. He grew up in Tipton, Indiana, and, after two years in Memphis, Texas, where he managed the Memphis Cyclones the year they won the state basketball championship, the family returned to Tipton. Bill graduated from Tipton Community High School. He married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra (Sandy) Tucker. Together, they raised three children—Scott, Lisa, and David—and had seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
As soon as Bill was 21, he applied to and was accepted by the Indiana State Police and trained as a trooper at Indiana University. The highlight of his police career came in 1957 when he helped to save a four-year-old girl by racing to bring her the medicine she needed.
His subsequent career in life insurance and real estate spanned nearly five decades and only ended when Sandy insisted that if they were going to enjoy their retirement, he would actually have to retire.
Bill believed in being involved in his adopted hometown of Union City, Indiana, where he and Sandy lived for 67 years. He was in Jaycees until he became an Exhausted Rooster at age 35. He was an elder in the church, a member of Union City Beautification, and of Rotary, where he had perfect attendance for the 49 years the organization kept track. As city judge for Union City for eight years, Bill meted out restitution or educational sentences rather than punitive ones. He was a member of the Treaty City Motorcycle Club with the handle “Judge.”
He was the ultimate do-gooder. He believed in doing the right thing and in telling the truth. Bill saw the best in people. His belief in his children made them want to be who he thought they already were. He taught them: “Don’t sweat the peewees,” and the secret: “It’s all peewees.”
He wove elaborate stories for his kids and grandkids, including tales about the black plastic ants he carried in his pocket. He once burnt out a garage door opener, pretending he was magically opening the door for his grandkids: “Open sesame!”
He liked to whistle for the pleasure of it, and as he often said, “We’ll get through this together.”
Bill died just three days shy of being married to Sandy for 72 years.
No funeral services are planned. Bill will be buried in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton,
Young-Nichols funeral home is assisting the Rice family in their time of need. Please leave condolences for the family on Bills obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Our condolences for Sandy and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours!!
Wilda Rice
Thomas Rice and Family
Jay Rice and Family
Aunt Sandy and family , How blessed you were to have such an enduring love story. Your family was part of our Thanksgiving with Grandma Vera. So many fun memories. I send my love and prayers. Cheryl.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy and family. Bill was a wonderful man and someone I went to for advice after my own father died. A gentle and good-hearted man who will be thoroughly missed. Rest in Peace, Bill.
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hill
Brandon Fearnow
Jamie Fearnow
Jake Fearnow
(Audrey Rice’s children)
To all of Bill’s family,
I am sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a good man and an involved member of the Union City Community. For Sandy, David, and Lisa, I am thinking of you at this time of your loss.
Ted Leahey
We are so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a kindhearted man who will be greatly missed in the Union City community. We always enjoyed visiting with Bill. His stories were very enjoyable, and he was genuinely interested in our conversations and encouraging to us both. The opportunity to know Bill and Sandy over the years has been our blessing. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Sandy, Lisa, and all the family.
Very to hear the news of Bill’s passing. He was a man of the highest character who never met a stranger. My condolences to Sandy, Lisa and David! – Paul
Sandy, David, Lisa, and your families. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. I, (Donna) worked with Bill at Union Trust for a few years, and he was our Insurance agent and Friend, most of all, since we were married 51 years ago. He was such a kind and understanding man. He will always carry a special place in our hearts for Bill.
God Bless you with His mighty comfort and peace.
Love,
Donna and Chuck
To the Rice Family: My condolences to you with fond, fond memories.
It was a special privilege to meet Bill and Sandy in 1957 when I was home on leave from the United States Air Force. Bill and I wore uniforms in those days.
I spent time with them often in the ensuing years as I made service calls for them.
It was always a pleasure to serve them.
Linda, Michelle, Kirby, and I are so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was fine man and was a great friend that we first met through the Union City Jaycees and the First Christian Church in (Disciples of Christ) in the fall of 1963. He always had many stories to tell and did not hesitate to tell them. His support of the Union City community will be greatly missed. Please accept our deepest condolences Sandy, Lisa, David and family. Rest in peace Bill!
To the Rice Family:
I knew Bill for many years. He was friends with my parents and always had a kind word for me. His office in Union City was across the street from my dance studio where I took lessons in the early 1960’s and I can remember going over to say “hi” to him after class. It is with great sadness to hear that he has passed away but I know he will always be cherished in your memories.