Virgil Thomas Rice was born to the late Thomas and Hallie Rice in Sullivan, Kentucky.

Virgil confessed a hope in Christ at an early age under the pastorage of Rev. James Tinsley and united with Mt. Sterling Cumberland Presbyterian Church. After graduating from Dunbar High School he moved to Chicago.

Virgil joined the United States Coast Guard in 1942 and received an honorable discharge in 1945. In 1945 Virgil enrolled in Worsham School of Mortuary Science where he received his Embalming and Funeral Directors License.

Virgil was united in marriage to his beloved, Mary Virginia Spaulding. To this union one son; John Thomas Rice.

In 1988 Virgil received an award for 50 years of service as an Illinois Funeral Director. In 1999 he received the same award in the state of Kentucky.

SERVICES TO GOD;

In 1955 he moved his membership to First Cumberland under the leadership of Rev. James Lydia. He was an Ordained Elder and Ordained Minister.

He served as Moderator of the General Assembly from 1975-1977 he also served as Moderator of the Kentucky Synod and the Cleveland Ohio Presbytery, and Pastor of The First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of America.

On July 24, 1999 Virgil Thomas Rice was called home to be with the Lord, after enduring a battle with cancer.

Virgil exhibited strength from God almighty during this suffering. He will be greatly missed, but loved and cherished by all who knew him.

Virgil leaves to cherish his memory his beloved and faithful wife of fifty six years, Mary; one son John T. Rice (Sheila); three grandchildren Konica, Earl and Sheilena; brother-in-law Thomas Hinton; one aunt Annie L. Garnett; godson Barry Thompson (Joyce); goddaughter Dianne Petty and a host of relatives and friends.

The general church family and First Cumberland Church family.
[Source: The Cumberland Flag, July 1999, page 8]

REV. VIRGIL T. RICE - 78 of Sturgis, died Sat. July 24, 1999 at his home in Chicago. Surviving are his wife Mary Rice; one son, John of Chicago and three grandchildren, Konica, Earl and Sheilena Rice. Services were held Sat. July 31, 1999 at the Mount Sterling Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with burial in New Salem Cemetery. Mr. Rice had been a funeral director at
Progressive Home in Chicago. He was the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago.
[Source: Sturgis News, (Sturgis, Union County, Kentucky), August 4, 1999, page 5]