Jerry Clifford Rice passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, following an extended illness.

Born in Adel, Georgia to Asa Clifford Rice and Clarice Avery Rice, the family moved shortly thereafter to Brunswick, Georgia. Jerry attended Glynn County Schools and graduated from Glynn Academy High School. He attended and graduated from Georgia Military Institute and joined the Georgia Army National Guard where he served ten years, receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain. He then worked at the US Dept. of Interior US Geological Survey for several years. Later he was asked to serve as the Athletic Director at the Brunswick City Recreation Dept. and served as the Second District Coordinator for the Georgia Recreation and Parks Society. He was then asked to serve as Interim Director and shortly thereafter as Executive Director for The Boys Club of Glynn. Working with the youth was Jerry's passion and true calling in life. He coached youth football, baseball, softball, basketball, and coached in the Marsh Bowl for three years. He also played semi-pro baseball. While serving as Executive Director of the Boys Club, Jerry saw a need for Boys Clubs to serve inner city youth. He opened the first Boys and Girls Clubs in housing projects in the southeastern United States. He retired from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Glynn after 28 years of service and was more recently honored with the naming of the Jerry Rice Gymnasium at the Terrill Thomas Unit. Jerry served on numerous boards in Glynn County, including the Board of the American Red Cross, the Mary House Ministries, the Glynn County Youth Coalition, and the Advisory Board of the Blythe Island Regional Park. He was a member of the Brunswick Jaycees for nine years and was Jaycee of the Year in 1965. He was a member of the Brunswick Exchange Club since 1975 and for twelve years served as Chairman of the Sunshine Special, bringing kindergarteners and special needs children to the Exchange Club Fair for a free day of fun. In 1996, he was named Exchange Club Chairman of the Year for his work with these young children. In 1999, he received the Emory Dawson Humanitarian Award from the Elks Club. Additional awards include the Brunswick Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award presented to an individual who shows outstanding community accomplishments, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Light the Path Award, the most prestigious award presented to a Boys and Girls Club professional. He also received the NAACP Trumpet Award. On March 6, 1990, the Brunswick City Commission and the Glynn County Board of Commissioners declared Jerry Rice Day in Brunswick, Georgia. Jerry was baptized at an early age and became an active member of the First Baptist Church in Brunswick, GA where he served in various roles throughout the years. He met and married his wife, Cathy in the Adult Singles Dept. They moved to St. Marys, GA in 2015 and joined the First Baptist Church Kingsland. He was an active member of the Berean Believers Life Group where they formed many new and lasting friendships.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cathy Harrison Rice, St. Marys, GA, a son, Ret. Major Kevin Ray Rice, Norfolk Virgina, a stepson, James West Page (April), Blackshear, GA, grandsons, Garrett Page, and Stetson Page, and granddaughter, Gracelynn Page, Blackshear, GA. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Blanche Rice, Brunswick, GA, his nieces, Edie Hipchen (Phil), Brunswick, GA and Robyn Kicklighter (Scott), Woodbine, GA. Also, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Charles Erwin Harrison (Debra), Jackson, GA, and a niece, Rebekah Claire Harrison, Birmingham, AL, as well as several cousins.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Kingsland, GA with Pastor Brian Parker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick, GA, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Glynn, Inc., and the First Baptist Church of Kingsland, GA Youth Ministry.

Allison Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in St. Marys, GA is in charge of arrangements.