Remembering John Rice
John Rice, who oversaw custodial services at Flagler and had been a fixture on the campus for more than three decades, died on Sept. 25 at the age of 53.
Charged in his fatal shooting was his 96-year-old aunt, who had been living with him in West Augustine.
Rice had worked at Flagler for more than 33 years, starting when he was hired in 1978 as a janitor. He was named senior custodian in 1986, head custodian a year later, and in 2007 became supervisor of Custodial and Housekeeping Services at Flagler in charge of a staff of 16 employees.
Victor Cheney, Flagler’s plant superintendent and Rice’s boss, called him a friend to everyone on campus.
“He had a calm and caring attitude for the people that surrounded him,” Cheney said. “John always looked forward to graduation. He would develop relationships with the college students and encourage them. He would stand outside the gym and shake hands and hug all of the soon to be graduates with congratulations. Encouragement is the ability to give another courage. John was big on encouragement.”
“John had served the College with energy, diligence, and good humor for 33 years,” said Flagler President William T. Abare Jr. “He was a cheerful presence and a friend to all. He will be greatly missed.”
More than 100 staff, faculty and students joined together for a vigil to remember Rice and share memories in the Palm Garden on Sept. 26.
Share your own thoughts and memories of Rice by posting a comment about him below.
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It is clear to me that John made an impact on so many people. What better legacy can one leave behind? We miss you, John.
I just graduated in April and Mr. Rice was one of the nicest men I knew at Flagler. He always had a smile, and he would tease me whenever he saw me just to get me to grin. I was going through some health problems during my last two years at Flagler and John was always there to make me laugh on the way to class. He truly cared and I just can’t believe that this happened. He was such an amazing person and a true testimate to what it means to be great man. I’ll miss him forever. Does anyone know where he is buried? I just found out about this and I never got to go to the vigil. I’d like to visit him.
I recall John being very helpful especially when I need help on campus (such has help moving A/V equipement), RIP John
I just heard the heartbreaking news that one of the kindest people I’ve ever met was killed. As I started crying, I remembered the numerous times John brightened my day with a joke or a smile. He was never too busy to make sure I was doing okay or offer a helping hand, and he never let anything get him down. John was one of the people that made Flagler College the magical place I loved to call home for four years. I regret that I never got the chance to tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I appreciated all he did to help me over the years. My thoughts go out to his family and to my fellow students, faculty, and staff that were lucky enough to call John a friend. I will never forget him.
For fifteen years while at Flagler one of my immense joys was meeting John in the hallways or mailroom at Flagler at 7:00 every weekday morning at Flagler. My wife and I invited John and his wife to our home and we not only a relastionship at work but a friendship that included our families. John would always ask about my daughter and granddaughter. I will certainly miss John and rare visits to Flagler will not be the same. Yet, I feel so honored to have shared John’s life. He will always be in my heart and a part of who I am and for that I am truely thankful for his kindness, generousity, and his spirituality.
I worked with John for eight years and became very attached to him. I was drawn to John like many others because he had a heart for people. He was very strong in his faith and bold to share examples of how God continued to bless him. John had an eternal perspective. He struggled with life like all of us, but was empowered by the Spirit of a holy and living God. I recognized John in the following Bible verse.
Galatians 5:22-23
New International Version (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This was Jesus in John Rice. John bore such fruit. This is what I remember about John.
A great guy I’ll miss running into around campus. I’ll always think of him getting his workout in at the gym, always in a great mood regardless of what stresses he dealt with that day at work.
We will miss you, John. Not everyone can claim such a lengthy litany of sentiments as are posted here. We are all the body of Jesus and John embraced his life. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
[...] of Rice. It was given to his family later in the day. The college newspaper, the Gargoyle, set up a page where friends and co-workers have been leaving comments about [...]
Mr. Rice was always there for students – from the first day we traversed through the maze that was Ponce Hall to settle our dormitory to our day to day operations as seniors who only visited the campus for our coursework. Alsays smiling, always helpful, and always willing to go an extra step. I recall that Mr. Rice always smiled, that he was always cordial, and that every student at one point had a positive interaction with him. I trust that he rests in peace. Long term Flagler College employees are to be respected and remembered. It is a tight knit and caring community. And, it is a rarity in college or university life. If you are a student now, you should relish the personal experience you receive. The campus community is a real gem – and it sometimes takes many years to realize that the emergent processes are subtle but significant.
There is no doubt that Johnny Rice was an angel on this earth/campus. Before reading these posts, I truly thought that I was his only and bestest friend. That’s the thing…he was able to make each of us feel special. I really miss my friend, but his presence is still everywhere! I suppose he has moved on to bigger deeds and we are left here to carry on his message…its all good, just smile!
Your message strengthens in your absence: “Life is too short…not to enjoy it!” Thank you for reminding me to live on the brighter side of the day.
I was fortunate to actually get to meet Mr. Rice in person the Thursday before he passed away in the Dining Hall while setting for an event. We ere just chatting while he was passing me chairs and helping me move tables around. But even in that small amount of time, I could tell he was real nice and humorous guy. He had me laughing the whole time I was in there. He crazy how the first time you meet a person can also be the last time you talk to them. But in all, I’m glad I had a chance to meet such a wonderful guy.
John Rice was a special person, and he made me feel special. I miss you greatly my brother from another mother. Love and Peace to you.
John made me laugh every single time I saw him. He was an excepionally kind person and so thoughtful. Every time that he was on my hallway he would stop in with a piece of chocolate and an encouraging word. I cannot even express how much I will miss seeing him on campus every day. The best way I know how to honor John is to continue to choose joy just as he did.
There are two types of people in the world: those who have experienced tragedy and those who will. Those of us who knew John Rice are now part of the former group if we weren’t already. He was the single most joyful person I ever knew. He never failed to say an encouraging word to me and I suspect the same was true for just about everyone who knew him. And it wasn’t like he had a perfect life. He had troubles just like anyone. John simply found his own joy in encouraging others. I think his title here at Flagler should have been Head of Hospitality, Chair of the Encouragement Committee. But then, who would we ever get to fill that position?
John talked to me a lot about eternity over the years. It was his way of encouraging me during especially discouraging times. He would always say, “Someday it’s all gonna be all right.” I believe that. I believe that when someday comes for me John Rice will be there saying, “See! I told you.” In the meantime, I will have to rely on my fond memories. I’m especially fond of the one where John’s at the pool in his Speedo. That one makes me laugh and cry all at the same time because, after all, who will we ever get to do that now?
Mr. John was an amazing person inside and out. He genuinely cared about each and every person that he met. Let’s keep his spirit alive. Everyday make a point to ask a complete stranger how their day is going, give them a compliment, or just pass along a smile.
The Rice Effect.
RIP Mr. John You will always be remembered and loved.
I was fortunate to have met John in 1981..I was working in the library that was then at Kenan Hall..I am so glad I knew John.. I could never forget him….
Mr. Rice was always so cheerful and pleasant and made me feel very welcome when I was completely terrified of being in a new place. He will be greatly missed.
John was a great guy. He always went above and beyond, helping out with a countless number of campus events. His positive attitude helped to keep stressful situations in perspective. He will be greatly missed.
John always had a smile on his face and something nice to say whenever you passed him on campus. He will be missed by many.
Being made right with God by His grace, enjoy Heaven my brother.
John was always a friend. Sometimes he would come in my office first thing in the morning, with that bright smile of his. If I ever had an “off” day, or was stressed, he reminded me of the beauty of each day, and not to let myself become overwhelmed. I will miss our banter and teasing. A light has gone off on Earth, but is now shining in heaven. I miss you, John!
John was a great man. He was the first employee I ever met at Flagler when I arrived to the College 3 years ago. He made me feel as though I chose the right school because he made me so comfortable.
Every day I saw John and every single day he made it his obligation to go out of his way to at least say hello. His amazingly charismatic attitude was what made him a special man.
My fondest memory of John was when he noticed me selling valentine’s day lion-beanies and he came over with a smile and said, “come on brother, let me show you how to sell these.” He then sold more than every single student that worked the booth that day combined.
I will truly miss my friend John around Flagler, he is a person I will remember for the rest of my life. RIP.
John was a great guy, he was kind and was one of the first persons I met on campus. He always was encouraging, a fine example of a man.
To have friends you have to be friendly and John blessed me from day one when I met him. Sharpened my hope in God’s ways.
Going to miss him here, he was family.
Thank you John!
i was in complete shock when i saw this posted on facebook. i started bawling. john was the nicest man and genuinly cared. i cant count how many times i would pass him and he would sai hi ronda, hows it going? or he’d make a joke about how there is no h in my name. he always wanted to know how classes were going and how life was in general. he would sit or stand for a few minutes and just catch up. even after i graduated i went a few times to visit some friends still there and he remembered exactly who i was.
this was a senseless act and could have been avoided.
as people have posted, future flagler students will be missing out. rip john
I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny when I was a freshman, 20 years ago. I knew him when I was a student, and later as a co-worker. Even after leaving my position at Flagler, he was always one of my favorite people to bump into during my frequent walks across campus. He was a friend and I miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many, many friends.
John will be very missed by parents and students at Flagler. I had two daughters that went to Flagler and was always amazed at how John knew both of them and all of their friends by name. He would always great them by name and wanted to know how their day was going.I am very sad to hear of his passing. He will always hold a special place in my family’s heart and memory.
I have not had an opportunity to meet Mr. Rice in person. I was informed in my evening class he was one in the same as the gentlemen who lost his life on the prior evenings newscast.
I just wanted to extend my prayers and thoughts for all Flagler students, faculty, and staff who have worked along side with him each day. I’ve learned a lot about this kind, gentle, warm and caring man and feel like I have met him personally. That’s the Flagler spirit on our campus and throughout town. To his family and friends, he will forever rain his warm smiles from heaven to you all…especially up the walkways on Flagler grounds. Our precious Lord be with you always, just call on him for anytime of day. God Bless you.