Wayne George Rice

Wayne George Rice, 72, entered heaven on May 15, 2021. He was born on June 6, 1948, in Glen Cove, New York to the late George and Ruth (Auchenpaugh) Rice. Wayne was honorably discharged from the United States Army November 1969 as an MP dog handler in the Vietnam War then retired from the Suffolk County Police Department as a highway patrolman (DWI division) after 15 years of loyal service due to injuries that occurred in the line of duty. Wayne was a member of the NRA and loved all his family, animals, and friends. He moved to New Mexico along with his immediate family in 1992 from Miller place Long Island, NY. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Mary Rice; sons, Wayne Allen Rice, Richard Jude “RJ” Rice and wife Samantha Christine and Lloyd Jerome Jude Rice; brothers, Steven Rice and Craig Rice and sister, Heather Dennis. Wayne was blessed with 3 beautiful grandchildren, Caleb Wilson, Alejandra Rice and Jayden Rice. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2021 at the Moriarty Church of the Nazarene at 2:00 P.M.