Gerald Wilson Rice

Gerald Wilson Rice, a man who was loved by many, took his first heavenly breath on Sunday, January 18, 2026. It was a time we all know he was rejoicing and was completely healed. Gerald was born in Decatur, Alabama, on January 3, 1945, but grew up and attended school in Hapeville, Georgia. He enlisted in the Air Force after school, served for 4 years, and then joined the National Guard. After the Air Force, he went to work for Delta Airlines, where he was a mechanic for 34 years. Gerald was a dedicated, hard-working individual. After retiring from Delta Airlines, he took numerous other jobs to keep busy, including working with TSA, Dalton Carpet, Sam's, and working with his wife at Artisan Jewelry. Those who know Gerald know he was a hard-working and caring man. The way he lived showed a man even more loving, caring, and deeply rooted in Christ. Outside of his family, his deepest passion was mission work and serving the Lord. Gerald took trips to Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to build and work on homes, churches, schools, and anything else that was needed by others. His gift from God was his hands. He traveled to these other countries, sharing God's love and word, but he also did so locally in his community and in other states. The one place Gerald loved as much as going to these other places was his church, Sharpsburg Baptist. He loved the people, and he loved being at the church itself. He was instrumental in renovations at the church that included additional Sunday school rooms and a new kitchen. One of the biggest and most meaningful times for him was when he was ordained as a deacon. The church was led to entrust Gerald with that honor, and it was not something he took lightly. He was proud to be a Deacon and to serve and love on those families he was entrusted with. Gerald did all these things, and he did them with the support and love of his best friend, his anchor, his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Kathy. Together, they had many adventures and built a loving home. When it comes to a devoted loving couple, they are a true example of what a Godly loving couple should be. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, James Lester Rice and Myrtie Christine Wilson Rice, and his daughter, Cassandra Suzanne Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Rice; daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Robert Moody; grandchildren, Brittany Moody, Cody (Makenzie) Moody, and Sven (Allison) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Willa and Odin; sister, Carolyn (Stan) Bonner; brother, James (Rita) Rice; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many other loving family members. We will all miss you, but rejoice knowing you are with our Lord. Rest easy now. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, love, and prayers during this time. They have been greatly appreciated. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Sharpsburg Baptist Church, 6413 GA-54, Sharpsburg, GA with Dr. Wallace McAbee officiating. Inurnment will be held at 3:00 PM in the Bremen Cemetery, Reid St., Bremen, GA. The family will receive friends during the hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Gerald Wilson Rice

January 3, 1945 - January 18, 2026