Jerry Wayne Rice, 78, was born December 13, 1947, in Madison, Tennessee, and passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville following a short illness.

Jerry was raised on his family’s farm in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He spent many years in the Chattanooga area before making his home in White House, Tennessee, where he and his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Rice, lived for more than two decades.

Above all else, Jerry was a devoted family man. The greatest loves of his life were his wife, children, and grandchildren. He and Cindy shared 22 wonderful years of marriage filled with love and devotion. Jerry had an incredibly generous heart. He cared deeply for the people in his life and was always willing to help family and friends, never hesitating to give of himself when someone he loved was in need.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Rice; his children, Jennifer Hayes (Brian), Kathy Wills, Mary Beth Kingsbury (Jacob), Ryan Burke (Lisa), Kevin Burke (Lindsey), Lauren Terhune (Nick), Chris Vitulli (Whitney), Cameron Vitulli (Sydney), Danielle Hester (Jeffrey), and Joey Rice (Cloe); and his 18 beloved grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy and pride to his life.

Jerry had a long and successful career, along with an entrepreneurial spirit that took him in many directions. In his younger years, he owned and operated a service station and worked as a cameraman for WSMV. Throughout his career, he also owned a radio station and a pawn shop, served as a vice president for a major paint company, and worked as a vice president in logistics.

In 2004, Jerry and his business partner, Danny Morris, founded Morico Metal Works. Jerry and Cindy were owners of the company, which became an important part of their lives and a lasting part of Jerry’s professional legacy. After many successful years, Jerry retired to devote his time to caring for Cindy. While Jerry experienced success in many careers and businesses throughout his life, the accomplishment he valued most was the family and life he built.

Jerry was an avid University of Tennessee fan. He loved his Vols, and Tennessee game days were always special to him.

Faith and church were also an important part of Jerry’s life. His connection to Walnut Grove Methodist Church began more than 45 years ago, and he continued to attend there from time to time throughout the last decade. Jerry and Cindy also attended Luton’s Methodist Church together.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Harold Rice; his brother, Harold Rice Jr.; his sister, Carol Misch; his former wives, Mary Fulfer Rice and Agnes Willis Rice; and his beloved son-in-law, Donny Wills. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Rice, wife of his late brother Harold, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

There is comfort in imagining Jerry and Donny together again, watching their Tennessee Vols and cheering them on side by side.

Jerry will be remembered for his generous heart, his devotion to his family, and the way he gave so freely to those he loved. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who lived a full and accomplished life. His greatest legacy will always be the family he loved so deeply and the countless lives made better simply because Jerry was a part of them.

Visitation will be held at a Goodlettsville Cole & Garrett on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Beech Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, 127 N. Main Street, Goodlettsville. (615)859-5231 Online Condolences can be left at www.ColeandGarrett.com