Michael Brent Rice

Michael Brent Rice, 85, of Athens, GA (formerly of Fairburn) passed on Saturday, May 17, 2025. He was born to John Allen Rice and Vernice Hettie Elliott Rice on November 17, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is survived by children Jamie Lee Roedig (Tim) and her brother, grandchildren Cort and Eve, his older brother Dennis Rice of Athens, nieces and nephews Nathan Rice, Anna Lonergan (Todd), Amy Sams, Benjamin Rice, and Mark Rice, former sister-in-law Karen Redwine, and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was a 1957 graduate of O’Keefe High School and a gifted baseball player. In his senior year he was selected to play third base in the Atlanta Journal Constitution All-Star Baseball team game. He was a hardcore fan of the Braves and Georgia Tech, an excellent golfer, and an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, ran his own paint contracting business, managed a farm, worked in rental and sale of tools and auto parts, and as an Atlanta airport shuttle driver.

Brent loved animals, enjoyed a good prank, laughing with his friends, had a fast, witty-comeback sense of humor, and would do the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle in ink. He enjoyed riding with Anna to get milkshakes and hot dogs while listening to good music. He cared about others and was generous with whatever he had, frequently sharing or giving to other nursing home residents his blankets, socks, hats, snacks and drinks, a couple of dollars—if he thought they needed it, it was theirs. He loved and appreciated a few dear friends. No matter how badly he felt, Brent never failed to express his sincere gratitude to anyone who helped him in any way, large or small.

He will be sorely missed.

A private family service will be held.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com