Mervin Rupert Rice

May 21, 1943 - November 16, 2021

Mervin Rupert Rice, 78, of Gallipolis Ferry, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021. He was born May 21, 1943, in Mason, WV, a son of the late James Harrison Rice and Hope R. (Barnette) Rice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda F. Morris; a sister, Nancy Ellen Belcher; and brothers, Sidney H. Rice and infant Charles Rice. Rupert was a member of Faith Gospel Church at Gallipolis Ferry. He was a graduate of Point Pleasant High School Class of 1961 and had worked for the Mason County Sheriff's Office as a deputy for three years and retired from Akzo Chemical in Gallipolis Ferry. He is survived by his wife, Letha M. (Long) Rice of Gallipolis Ferry whom he married November 18, 1994; children, Beverly Ellen (John) Ross of Point Pleasant, Phyllis Elaine (Ronnie) Lively of Point Pleasant and Mervin Rupert Jr. (Nadine) Rice of Bozeman, MT; a stepdaughter, Bridgette Long of Lexington, KY; brothers, James Harrison (Robin) Rice of Anstead, WV, and Marcus William (Janice) Rice of Southside; sister-in-law, Barbara Rice of Sumter, SC; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the Faith Gospel Church in Gallipolis Ferry, with Pastor David Grigsby officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant. Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.