Gary Wayne Rice of Newport News, Virginia passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026 surrounded by his family following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Richlands, Virginia, to Everett Gary Rice and Nina Gay (Sutherland) Rice and was a lifelong Newport News resident.
Gary was a graduate of Menchville High School, Class of 1980, where he made many life-long friends. He devoted his life to his family and serving his community. He began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he worked for 20 years, before spending nearly 20 years with Newport News Corrections at the Newport News City Farm. His co-workers remember him as someone who brought lightheartedness and laughter to the job. After more than four decades of working, Gary retired four and a half years ago to spend more time doing what brought him the greatest joy, being a grandfather.
Gary loved being outdoors, helping others, and working with his hands. He had a lifelong love of animals, especially his three golden retrievers, Jax, Charlie, and Luke. He also loved sports and played softball for most of his life.
A devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, Gary treasured the time he spent with his family and embraced his role as a Papaw with great pride and love. Family was at the center of Gary’s life.
Gary is survived by his parents, Everett Gary Rice and Nina Gay Rice; his wife, Diana Healy Rice; his daughter, Melissa Taylor Cannella (Joseph Stephen Cannella); his grandchildren, Stephen Joseph “Jay” Cannella, and Thea Adele Cannella; his brother, William Kent Rice; his nephew, Tyler Rice; his niece, Madison Rice and stepson, Philip Seward.
Gary will be remembered for his devotion to the people he loved; his willingness to help others, and his hardworking spirit. His greatest legacy is the love he gave to his family and the many lives he touched. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who believed family comes first, and family is forever. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
The family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Weymouth Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Weymouth Funeral Home with interment to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.
