William A. Rice, 84, of Norwalk, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the Embassy of Willard. He was born on December 1, 1939, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Everett and Alice (Brown) Rice.

William grew up near Indian Lake in Lima, Ohio and has since lived most of his life in Norwalk. He started working in construction and then was a chief operator at the water treatment plant for over 24 years.

William enjoyed the outdoors and tending to his lawn. He also liked to fish, birdwatch, and hearing about his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Amherst. Where he and his wife Lydia, co-taught Sunday school for 23 years. William especially loved spending time with his dog, Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Rice and Alice Odle; Stepfather, Charles Odle; brothers, Robert Rice, Everett Rice, and Clarence Lee Rice.

William is survived by, his loving wife of 48 years, Lydia Rice, their daughter, Mary (Rev. Joshua) Haugen; his daughters, Kathy (Vern) Nansel, Debbie (John) Sanchez, and Brenda (Fiancé Eric) Campbell; his grandchildren, River, Ashley, Justin, Austin, Jake, Garrett, Cole, Ruth, Joshua, Klara, Jonathan, and Lyla; his great-grandchildren, Sky and Brysen; and sister, Carolyn Braddock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on October 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. all at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main St., Norwalk, OH 44857. Burial will follow the conclusion of the service at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice and the Embassy of Willard for their kind care of William. Memorial contributions made in William's name can made out to any charitable cause of the donors choosing. Expressions of sympathy to the family may also be made online by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com