Thomas E. Rice, 46, Grants Pass, died May 23, 2002.

He was born March 14, 1956, in Grants Pass to R. Wallace Rice and L. Pearl Rice-Smalley.

On May 1, 1976, he married Rita Moran in Grants Pass. He worked for Josephine Growers Cooperative from 1973 to 1993. He also worked as a boat pilot for Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions. He was a marine deputy with the Josephine County Sheriff's Department since 1993.

Mr. Rice was a member of Church of Christ where he served as a deacon. He was an instructor for the Oregon State Marine Board.

He enjoyed working on his truck, boating and sharing his boating knowledge with others. He was a licensed captain and received the Star of Life Award for actions above and beyond the call of duty.

He is survived by his wife, of Grants Pass; son, Daniel Rice of Tusla, Bosnia; daughter, Erin Rice of Grants Pass; mother of Brookings; brother, Richard Rice of Yakima, Wash.; and sister, Barbara Erickson of Sunny Valley.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1989.

Visitation will be today (May 29) at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 612 N.W. A St., Grants Pass.

Funeral service will be May 30 at Parkway Christian Center with Don Michael and Elzie Parker, ministers, officiating.

Internment will follow at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to COPS, c/o Hull & Hull Funeral Directors, 612 N.W. A St., Grants Pass, OR 97528.