Douglas O'Geary Rice

Douglas O’Geary Rice of Nelson, Virginia, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the age of 82. Born in Halifax County, Virginia on October 8, 1941, he was the son of the late William Arthur Rice and Lucy Morris Rice. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertie Newton Rice.

Douglas, affectionately known to all his family and friends as “Dee,” was a farmer, a mechanic, an electrician, and a craftsman. He raised cattle and tobacco for most of his life, all while working full time at Burlington Mills and other textile manufacturers before retirement. He especially enjoyed working on his family farm with his cattle. A talented carpenter, he designed and built structures and helped others build theirs, accurately, with little in the way of formal plans and most often without compensation. He could creatively repair just about any piece of equipment on the farm, as well as in the mechanic shop at Burlington. He was loved by all who had the chance to work with him and get to know him.

Dee is survived by his children, Sheri Rice McGuire (William), Theresa Nelson (Dale), and Ray Long (Kathy); numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and brothers, Thomas, and Cecil Rice. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by siblings, Willie Glasscock, Rebecca Honeycutt, Dorothy Epps, William Rice, Emma Rice, Helen Newton, and Bertha Elliott.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Union Christian Church in Virgilina with the Reverend Norman Talley officiating. Burial will follow at Nelson Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Union Christian Church, 8021 Florence Ave., Virgilina, VA 24598 or a charity of your choice.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rice family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting our website, www.wclfh.com or by going to our Facebook page.