Arthur "Bucky" David Rice

Arthur David “Bucky” Rice of North Port Florida passed away peacefully on 24 April 23, at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Born August 23, 1932, he was the youngest of six children born to William and Myrtle (nee Milner) Rice of Indianapolis, IN. After high school, Art joined the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. Upon returning, he met and married Judith Ann Laxen with whom he shared five children. Art eventually met and later wed Jennifer Schell in 1987 whom he remained married to until her premature death in 2001.

Art was passionate in his beliefs. He was an accomplished woodworker who loved golf, family and friends. He was a devout Catholic and a former member of St. Christopher parish in Speedway. Professionally, Art worked in logistics where he held various leadership and safety instructor positions. Enjoying retirement to its fullest, Art moved to Florida where he continued to make new friends and be active in the church.

He will be remembered as a loving and caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters Margaret, Jewel, and Ruth; and brothers Jimmy, Nie, and a third brother. He is survived by his sister Rachel Lane; daughters Debi (Rick) Nester, Dena (Michael) Smith, and Denise (Robby) Adams; sons David (Sandy) Rice and Darren (Lisa) Rice; grandchildren Christy (Jon) Smith, Emily (Alex) Combs, Ame (Jim) Cummins, Tisha (Matt) Kinley, Keena (Drew) Dallas, Devin Rice, Sydney Rice, Nicholas Hinojosa, Joey Hinojosa and Cory Hinojosa; great-grandchildren Samantha Smith, Jacob Smith, Aubrey (Levi) Combs, Jonas (Breana) Combs, Maddie (Ethan) Combs, Willem Cummins, Parker Cummins, Jalen (Jazmin) Rice, Jaron Kinley, Jordan Kinley, Beckham Dallas, Lennon Dallas and Mason Rice; and great-great grandchildren Taytum Moss, Syrus Combs, and Ocean Rice.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan – Speedway, and from 11 a.m. – 12 noon Thursday, May 4, with funeral starting at noon. Burial, with military honors, will follow at West Newton Cemetery.