Raymond (Ray) Bruce Rice, 82, of Branson West, MO passed away at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born on June 5, 1944, in Galesburg, IL to Kenneth and Carolyn (Ulm) Rice and grew up in London Mills, IL where he attended Spoon River Valley schools.

Following graduation, Ray attended Brown’s Business College. He later joined Caterpillar, Inc. and worked his entire career at the Mossville Engine Center in Mossville, IL. He retired in 1999 after 38 years of dedicated service.

Ray had a lifetime love of boating, spending summer weekends and holidays on the water which led to his ultimate retirement on Table Rock Lake just outside of Branson. He loved helping his neighbors in ‘The Point’ neighborhood where he was often affectionately referred to as ‘The Mayor’. He was also active for many years in a Corvette club.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Rainelle Rice.

He is survived by two sons, Ken (Nicole) Rice and Andy (Jen) Rice; one daughter, Angie (Eric) Timm; two sisters, Judy Bryan and Sue (Tom) Plack; eleven grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, September 19th in Branson West with burial to occur at a later date in Washington, IL beside his late wife Rainelle. Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.

Please consider making a donation in Ray’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fight the disease that took his beloved wife from him nearly five years ago.