Jack W. Rice, Jr., 59, of Venus, Pinegrove Township, died unexpectedly of natural causes early Friday morning, August 14, 2015 shortly after his arrival at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.

He was born in Oil City on May 9, 1956 to the late Jack W. and Eileen M. (Holtz) Rice.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1974 through 1976.

Jack was a member of the Clarion County Rod and Gun Club, and a social member of the Pinegrove Township Volunteer Fire Department.

He enjoyed hunting in his earlier years, collecting coins, doing yard work, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Mr. Rice sold mobile homes for many years before becoming a self-employed general contractor.

He was married in Venus on December 20, 1978 to the former Pamela L. Stover, and she survives.

Also surviving are five children: Damien Sloan of Oil City, Jack W. Rice, III and his wife Heidi of Kane, Brad Rice of Venus, Jason Rice and his wife Kimber of Knox, and Dawn Rice of Venus; and five grandchildren: Anthony, Aiden, Emmie, Zoe, and Mason. He is also survived by two sisters, Linda Rice of Erie and Diane Knapp of Brookville; two brothers, Robert Rice of Oil City and Randy Rice and his wife Julie of Venus; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Darlene Tores and Karen Rice.

Friends will be received Tuesday (Aug. 18th) from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc., 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township, where the funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Calvin Cook, pastor of Fertigs United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment with full military honors accorded by the VETS Honor Guard will follow in Rockland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693.

Condolences may be expressed online to the family by visiting www.hilebest.com.