Daniel Jerome Rice

A TIME TO BE BORN

Through the infinite wisdom of God, on November 9, 1963, a beloved child, Daniel Jerome Rice was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Martha E. and Wallace H. Rice. He was the sixth of seven children.

A TIME TO BUILD UP 

Daniel, affectionately called “Dan”, “Danny”, “DJ”,“Dan the Man” and “Bigg”. He attended West Roxbury High School in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he excelled in Football, Basketball and held numerous awards and records in Track and Field. Danny had gifts of greatness. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Michigan on a Football scholarship. Danny was the first running back to start as a freshman,in the Rose Bowl at Michigan. An awesome athlete, he went on to play professional football as a running back for the Toronto Argonauts. He was then was contacted by the NFL to join the Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints. After football, he returned to home,where he began his career with the Boston Police Department. Fresh out of the Academy, Dan was sent to Area B-2 in Roxbury, where he honed his professional skills as a police officer. Dan approached every day and every incident with passion, integrity and empathy. In the police academy, Dan was taught to approach an incident as a lamb and escalate to a lion if necessary; and a lion he was. Dan was able to experience many aspects of the police department, finally retiring as a detective in 2012. 

Danny was a lover of his family and friends, and the feeling was reciprocated. Danny was also a Believer.He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

A TIME TO PLANT

Danny was a devoted Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, Cousin and Son in-law. He married the Love of his life and Soulmate Angela Pina, on October 23, 1999. Affectionately called “Angie”, he often referred to her as his “Ride or Die”. They were blessed with 3 beautiful children, Ahvani Danielle, Damari Javon and Dionté Jarrell, whom he loved and adored deeply. He always put the needs of his family and others first. His extraordinary personality ministered healing to the sick and everyone who met him. He was an inspiration and role model to his family, friends and even strangers. He had compassion for people whom were afflicted and going through hard times. In 2016 he relocated his family to Atlanta. The focus of his conversation was often of how beautiful the sky, clouds and mountains were in Georgia. He also loved going on his boat with his family, on Lake Lanier. 

A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER THE SUN

Danny had a unique sense of humor, and was always smiling, laughing and joking.  He loved his family. To his family and close friends (which he had many) he was larger than life. He opened his Big Heart to others with Love, fellowship, cooking and feeding others. He was willing to share everything he had. If someone needed the shirt off his back more than him, he would gladly give it. 

A TIME OF TRANSITION

On Sunday, October 18, 2020, Danny transitioned from TIME into ETERNITY.  Danny believed in God and often spoke about “Heaven” and “Eternity”. He was in touch with his spirituality. 

A TIME TO MOURN

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his beloved wife, Angela, his beautiful daughter, Ahvani Danielle, and his precious twin sons Damari Javon and DiontéJarrell. (2) Brothers, Wallace Rice (Dan) of St. Paul MN, Frederick Rice (Chanda) of Atlanta, GA, (4) Sisters, Glenda Wimberly of Burlington, NJ, Brenda Steele of Smyrna, GA, Sharon Norman of Atlanta, GA,and Wendy Tabb (Darrell) of Boston, MA. Mother-in-Law Rachel Mosely (Milton) Brother in-law Eddie Pina (Corrinne) a Niece, Tatiyana Cooley-Justice. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends along withhis GOB Family.

TODAY IS BUT A MOMENT IN THE FLOW OF ETERNITY.

MAN MOVES IN “TIME” BUT GOD MOVES IN “SEASONS”

Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2020 at The Venue, 7340 Friendship Springs Blvd., Flowery Branch, GA 30542 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.