Pastor Rodger Rice

Pastor Rodger Rice, beloved husband, father and community leader of Cape Girardeau, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 leaving a legacy of love, dedication and faith. He was born November 17, 1944 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Dolly Wren Mathis. Rodger's life was forever changed when he met the love of his life in his hometown, Jean Ann Pind. They grew up side by side, high school sweethearts, whose shared dreams led them to marry right after graduation on July 3, 1963. Rodger and his wife began their journey together in Poplar Bluff, soon moving to Saint Louis as Rodger pursued his calling as a meat cutter. His career flourished at Schnucks grocery, where his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence saw him rise over 38 years to become manager of meat and deli operations. Together, they raised their family in Saint Louis before making a home in Cape Girardeau in 1976, a place they cherished the rest of their lives. After retiring from Schnucks, Rodger embraced on a new path as a pastor, serving the Cape Girardeau area with compassion and faith until his final retirement. Rodger will be deeply missed by all who knew him, remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his work and his faith community. He attended First General Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. Survivors include his wife, Jean Ann Rice of Cape Girardeau; son, Christopher (Laura) Rice of Kearney, Missouri; a daughter, Regina (Jay) Todd of Saint Louis, Missouri; three brothers, Paul Rice of Greensboro, North Carolina, Bob (Rose) Rice of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Jim (Karee) Rice of Annapolis, Missouri; five sisters, Trudy Everage of Lima, Ohio, Georgia (Gary) Mosley of Lima, Ohio, Sharon (Mark) Henning of Lima, Ohio, Paula (Darrell) Smith of Inman, South Carolina and Vanessa (Doug) Jordan of Benton, Kentucky; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Rodger was preceded in death by his mother and a brother, Jerry Rice. Visitation will be 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2025 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Scott Crane officiating. Burial will be at New Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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Pastor Rodger Rice

November 17, 1944 - September 18, 2025