Terry F. Rice, 77, of Butler, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Friends and family gathered to celebrate Terry's life during a visitation on Thursday, May 29, 2025  at the Adrian Optimist Building in Adrian, Missouri. A funeral service honoring his life took place on Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Adrian Optimist Building. Interment  at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri, where Terry was laid to rest with military honors, a testament to his service to our nation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to honor Terry's generous spirit and love for helping others.

Terry, affectionately known as "Squirrel," was born on January 30, 1948 in Nevada, Missouri. Terry was the son of Marvin F. and Dulcie Viola (Gordon) Rice. After moving to Butler in his youth, he graduated from high school in 1966. In 1968, Terry answered the call to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army, proudly serving in Vietnam until his discharge in 1969. Following his military service, Terry pursued his educational goals at Missouri Southern in Joplin before embarking on a career in construction and carpet laying. In 1992, he began his calling as a funeral director, joining Underwood-Steinbeck, and later serving with Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, Missouri, where he provided comfort to countless families until his retirement in 2022.

Terry loved his family and raising his children, Tara, Kacie, and Cameron. He met Sandy Hough on August 08, 1992, and united in marriage on July 07, 2007. Together, they created a loving home filled with laughter and joy. Terry's pride and joy were his grandchildren-Drake, Daylyn, Draya, Dawson, Zayne, Bryleigh (whom he affectionately called "Princess"), and Aliyah-as well as his great-grandchild, Briggs. He made it a priority to attend their events, offering unwavering support and love.

In addition to his family, Terry dedicated his time to the community through various organizations. He was an active member of the Butler Lions Club, serving as treasurer for 13 years and earning the honor of Lion of the Year three times. He was also involved with the Adrian Optimist Club, Bates County Elks for 28 years, and the Adrian VFW Post, along with contributing five years to the Board of the Bates County Memorial Hospital. He loved spending time with Sandy, including driving her to and from work every day and their trips to the casino. He also found time to check Facebook and Mid-America Live multiple times a day.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Doug Robey; father-in-law, Bill Hough; and mother-in-law, Geneva Hough Zinn. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Rice; daughters: Tara (Johnny Fennewald) Vermillion and Kacie Robey; son, Cameron (Mikaela) Rice; grandchildren: Drake and Daylyn Vermillion, Draya and Dawson Fennewald, Zayne and Bryleigh (aka Princess) Robey, and Aliyah Ketcher; one great-grandchild, Briggs Vermillion; sister, Susie (Phil) King; and Neil (Brenda) Steiner who he considered a brother.