On April 11, 2025, Corey Lynn Rice, age 51 ran into the arms of Jesus after a courageous fight with Cancer. It was on November 8, 1973, that the world became a better place when Corey was born to Donna [Farrell] and Gary Rice in Sherman, TX where he was raised and graduated high school in 1992.  Following graduation, Corey enlisted with the US Army, where he dedicated 15 years of service, serving in various overseas assignments and deployments to Iraq earning several medals and awards. Corey retired from the service in 2007 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.  Corey continued his civilian career at Fort Rucker, Alabama, serving in several managerial roles with military contractors. Becoming a father to his son Peyton in 2008 was his most coveted accomplishment. Corey shined the brightest when he was bragging on his "mini me" as he so affectionately referred to Peyton. Hard work and love of others are two of the greatest things Corey instilled in Peyton.

In February of 2020, Corey married the girl next door, the love of his life, Ashley [Forde] where he gained a daughter, Brennan Ponder. In March of 2025, he became a proud "Pops" to his granddaughter Caroline.  Though their time together was brief, it was filled with a lifetime of love. Being in God's Army, Corey's Bible was never far, and he thrived to share God's love with others. Corey could always be found watching his favorite sports teams, the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves or Texas Longhorns, grilling with friends or hunting and being outside with God and nature. Attending baseball games with his family brought him so much joy. The one thing he could never be found without was his smile and his zest for life.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Ashley, son Peyton, daughter Brennan, Granddaughter Caroline, parents Gary and Malinda Rice, siblings Austin Rice and wife Casey, Sean Rice, Tristan Roberts and husband Paul, Wendy Smith and Michael Wilson, in-laws Larry and Sarah Bates, brother-in-law J. Forde, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and countless friends.  Corey is preceded in death by his mother, Donna Fallis and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

The family will receive friends and family at Waldo's Funeral Home in Sherman, TX on Monday May 12th from 6-8pm.  Graveside services with full military honors will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11:00am at Cedarlawn Memorial Park, Sherman, TX with Don Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please donate in Corey's memory to the charity of your Choice.  The Wounded Warrior Project and the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Birmingham, AL were both dear to Corey.

As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss ~ Cassandra Clare