Funeral services for George Gilbert “Gil” Rice, 93, of Pollok, will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin with John Curry and Mike Rice officiating.

            Mr. Rice was born on August 10, 1933, in Lufkin, Texas, to the late John Thomas Rice and Alice (Barnes) Rice, and died Friday, September 4, 2026, in Lufkin.

            Mr. Rice had a personal relationship with Jesus and was a very active member of O’Quinn Baptist Church in Pollok, serving as a Deacon. He served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict, on the front lines. Mr. Rice retired from the Lufkin State School as lead purchasing agent. He enjoyed raising a garden and loved sharing his crop with the community. Mr. Rice was a hard worker and could fix just about anything. He loved to travel, especially to Colorado. Above all, Mr. Rice loved his family. His children and grandchildren were everything to him.

            He is survived by his son, Steve Rice and wife Donna of Pollok; son, Randy Rice and wife Veronica of Pollok; daughter, Paula Curry and husband John of Pollok; daughter-in-law, Vickey Rice of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Melissa Baker, Tye Baker and wife Ashlie, David Rice, Jr. and wife Katya, Scottie Rice, Meagan Rice, Kyle Rice, Kayla Brown and husband Michael, Britney Sanford and husband Nathan, Heather Brown and husband Corey, Cody Rice, Ashley Curry, Lauren Curry, and Allison Curry; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Rice; brother, Bob Rice and wife Gayle; sister-in-law, Lydia Rice; brother-in-law, Paul Tinkle and wife Carolyn; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Woodielene Rice; son, Richard Rice; son, David Rice, Sr.; brothers, JT Rice, Jr. and wife Margie, Delmer “Yank” Rice, Archie Rice and wife Milderd, Irvin Rice and wife Evelyn, Elvin Rice and wife Betty, Ray Rice and wife Lynnise, and Jim Rice; and sisters, Margie Jane Rice and Marie McIntosh and husband James.

            The family would like to extend special thanks to Mrs. Rhonda Barefield and the staff of Countryside Senior Living of Lufkin.

            Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Shafer Funeral Home.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.