Clarence Rice

On March 17, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, a son was born to the union of
Clarence Chester Rice Sr. and Jean Julaine Rice after a long wait to have
a child. They named him, Clarence Chester Rice Jr. However, a nurse at
the hospital suggested naming him Pat since he was born on St. Patrick's
Day - hence the nickname "Sir Patrick".
Pat was raised alongside his three siblings: Marlene, Michael, and
Carol, whom he shared a special bond with each of them. He was
affectionately known as "Thumpdrag" by his sister Marlene.
Pat studied karate for years. He was privileged to drive a burgundy
Galaxie 500 to High School. He was educated in the Detroit Public
Schools system and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1969.
He later earned an associate degree from Oakland Community College.
In 1977, Pat became a first-time father to Darrin, whom added love and
stability to his life. In 1984, Pat married Kimberly. Together they raised
La'Shaun and Clarence III as a blended family. Not only was h e a strong
father figure, he was also a mentor to many of his nieces and nephews.
Pat could be described as intelligent, competitive, bossy, yet caring in
nature - always on that "big brother" tip. Pat was slow to anger and
quick to defend those he loved. Pat will be remembered as a protector,
wonderful father, intelligent, smooth, amazing, phenomenal, dependable,
funny, snazzy, chill, easy-going, and full of zest for life.
Pat was an entrepreneur. He opened a record shop i n his community on
Wildemere, a place where adults could b u y music a n d children could
enjoy t h e arcade games. H e l a t e r worked for the City o f Detroit i n
various departments, serving a s a 211 operator and driving both city and
school buses until he retired i n 2011.
Obituary (con't)
Pat was also a "hustler." He often told stories of his gambling days at
Chrysler - paying "tonk" he won so much money on payday that he
didn't even have to cash his checks. Pat enjoyed going to the
racetrack and even brought his 10-year-old sister Carol to watch the
horses race. The casino was another place he frequently patronized
with his "roll dawg" and cousin Ella. His favorite game was "Virtual
Horse Racing" at Motor City Casino.
Pat had a love for hats - and looked so good in them! A.K.A. "Ice
Rice." He also wore fishing hats because he loved to fish, just like his
father and his brother Michael.
Pat became ill and spent many months in hospitals. Though his
illnesses were not known to all, he received many prayers and
heartfelt messages. Pat's soul was saved and received Christ during
his hospital stay. Pat took his Heavenly Father's hand on February 6,
2026, joining his parents, Clarence and Jean Rice, and his brother,
Michael Rice, whom proceeded him in death.
His legacy lives on through his children; Darrin Young, La'Shaun
Campbell, and Clarence Rice III; his grandchildren; Amber Campbell,
Nylah Rice, Darius Young, and Jalaya Word; his daughter in law,
Tenicka; his wife, Kimberly Rice; his sisters, Marlene Rice and Carol
Blevins; His closest niece, LaMisha Rice; and a host of nieces,
nephews, and cousins near and far.

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