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.
I could go on all day long. He was so much fun, had a hilarious sense of humor, was unbelievably kind and helpful, was as sweet as pie and genuinely LOVED people. My whole life I’ve heard people talk about having a servant’s heart… well, he sure had one. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it. Anyway, I loved him and I feel so lucky to have known him.
John, thanks for all the flowers, crazy golf cart rides and for showing my friends and me the 4th floor. It meant the world.
Love,
Megan
I could go on all day long. He was so much fun, he had a hilarious sense of humor, he was so kind and helpful, he was as sweet as pie and he passionately LOVED people. My whole life I’ve heard people talk about having a servant’s heart… well, he sure had one. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it. Anyway, I loved him. He had a heart of gold and I feel so lucky to have known him.
John, thanks for all the flowers, crazy golf cart rides and for showing me the 4th floor. It meant the world.
Love,
Megan
Because the majority of my classes are taught in the Flagler Gym, I have had the pleasure of seeing John every day when he would go upstairs to work out. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to all. It won’t be the same without him. He will be greatly missed.
My first time meeting John officially was last spring while walking to practicum at Ketterlinus. We ran into each other in front of the gym and I was so surprised at the fact that someone I didn’t even know was genuinely interested in where I was going, what I wanted to do later in life, what grades I liked working with, etc. Over the summer, we would run into each other tanning at the pool and talk about books and life, and see each other later in the day at the gym.
I, like many others, find myself truly inspired by John’s positive and uplifting attitude. I wish I could have seen him more. Heaven is certainly very lucky.
Mr. John Rice was a very nice man. He always had a smile on his face. I talked to him every day. I will really miss seeing his smiling face. He had a caring attitude. He was a wonderful guy and a good friend. I will miss you
Ella Kay Bailey
Mr. John was amazing. Every time we saw each other he greeted me with a warm smile and remembered my name. I once visited his church and was warmly welcomed by everyone there. He was a light on campus, loved by all. John, you will be missed. See you in Heaven!
John was the sweetest man on campus, running into him in the breezeways and walking through the mail room in the mornings was the best. Always a positive outlook on the day, on life, spreading his happiness to the rest of us. And always lending over some extra toilet paper towards the end of the semester
But this man was just the sunshine to anyone who was having a bad day. He showed me that it doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day and he did that with just a smile. Such a small gesture can have such a great impact. I never knew anyone who could make my bad day better when something like a test could bring my entire day down, he was there though to do just that. It truly is a great loss to anyone who’s been a part of the Flagler community and who has interacted with John, I still cry when I read about what happened. It’s just one of those things the should not have happened so a person who brought nothing but positivity into people’s lives. I’m glad I got to meet him and see him everyday on campus when I did. It was just a pleasure to have his company around.
I may not have known John well, but all I know is that this man took just a few seconds out of his day to completely turn my day around for the better… And I will always and forever be thankful for that. Rest in peace, John, I’ll always think of you on a beautiful day because I know you’re going to be the sunshine from above.
As an adjunct instructor I am only on campus twice a week so I did not have the opportunity to interact as often with John as most did.
However, because of his kind nature;enthusiam;and positive outlook, he made a huge impression on me in the short time I was on campus. We often talked and exchanged greetings on campus and at various Flagler functions.
I am saddened that he is no longer with us and my prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
He was a really nice guy who always had a smile on his face. The campus won’t be the same without him.
He was such a nice guy.
He was such a great guy. Always said hello and had the biggest smile on when I saw him. YOu will be missed John.
Every time I saw Mr. Rice around the mail hall or in the breezeways as I walked to or from school he would smile and try to sign “How you?” or simply “Hi”. I liked how he tried to communicate with me and it was hard also to have a bad day around him because with one smile from him I feel lighter, and happier. He will be missed.
John was a ray of sunshine in the day of whomever he spoke to. I will miss his smiling face, encouraging words, and genuine friendship. I’m praying comfort and blessings over his family, but also praising God that John is getting to spend time with Him right now. I’m jealous, John! See you on the other side of eternity, my friend.
He was such a happy man. He always greeted everyone with a smile.
He will be terribly missed. This is a tragedy.
I looked forward to seeing him in the halls on the way to class.
John made working at Flagler so enjoyable. I had the great fortune of working directly with him frequently and I relished his joy, enthusiasm and laughter. His smile was delightful. I will miss him tremendously.
Mr. Rice never failed to say good morning to me or give me some kind of encouraging words every day for the past 2 and a half years that I’ve been here at Flagler, while flashing his warm and compassionate smile. It saddens me to know that one of the BEST parts of Flagler’s charm will be gone. I wish I could have known him even better than I did and I regret that I won’t get that chance but I am truly thankful that he was able to be a part of my life at all.
Mr. Rice you will truly be missed.
Love MB
I was amazed when I came to work here in January of this year and saw John still flashing that winning smile and shining personality all over the Flagler campus because I remember him when I was a student here from 1982-1986. He hadn’t changed one bit since I was here way back when. Whenever I saw him recently, he always stopped to say Hi and to have a nice day. It seemed that he never had a bad day and was always happy. He will surely be missed around campus, but will remain a positive, happy memory in all of our hearts. Rest in Peace John.
JOHN!!!
What’s up Brother? Say hi to our Father for me.
John will be sorely missed around this campus. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he came in contact with. His time here on earth was cut short, but I am thankful that I was lucky enough to have known him.
From 1980 to 1984 John and I worked out with the weight-training equipment at the Flagler Gym. I built a wooden step for use in calf stretches – When I was at Flagler two years ago John remembered me and mentioned that he had kept the wooden step at the Gym and had repaired it on more than one occasion so that everyone could still use it. I was amazed that he would remember me after so many years and also saw his tender care for everything that involved the students. What a tragic loss to the campus, alas, to the world of St. Augustine.
I never knew John to have a bad day. He was such a contagiously happy person. He always had a smile on his face, a kind word to say and a presence that was unforgettable. I looked forward to seeing him every single day.
The thing I loved the most about John was the way he formed individual bonds with every person he knew. He never repeated his friendly welcome – it was a new, personal hello to each person he saw. He had such a gift for making everyone feel extra special.
He loved picking on me for my “bling.” “Dang girl, a brother can’t see with all that sparkle going on,” he’d always say. I couldn’t help but laugh.
Flagler College will never be the same. What an enormous loss to our campus. My heart breaks for John’s family and friends.
John Rice was the kindest man walking this campus. He had a love for the students, a love he shared everyday with all of us. I had seen Mr. Rice around campus, but it was until a previous spring blink that I first started to know the wondeful man he was. Mr. Rice saw me struggling with a huge duffel bag that I was bringing to my car. As soon as he saw me, he offered to help, picked it up and carried it to the parking lot for me. All the while we chatted about the beach and wwhat we were doing for vacation. Every time I saw him since, we would stop and talk. He was always encouraging, telling me my smile was like sunshine and to always keep smiling – that that’s what life needs, is just a smile. He was part of our Flagler family and we will all miss him. He was a good man. And he will never be forgotten. R.I.P. John Rice
Have you ever been John Riced? I have! I was walking down the side-walk one day completely emerged in my thoughts for my exam, when I bumped into John Rice. That smile is intoxicating, and that smooth voice asking “How are you today?” John did not just ask how are you and wait for a general response of “fine.” No, he truly cared whether your day was good or bad and wanted to hear all about it. No matter how your day was going, by the end of your conversation, somehow or another John made you smile with his “je ne sais quoi” mannerisms. Anytime, any day, and every encounter with John was energizing. That is what it is like to be John Riced!
Peace be with you John, and your family and other friends in their hour of need.
There is so much to say about Mr. John but I believe I can speak for the entire Flagler campus when I say he was a blessing to this college and to all who knew him. Mr. Rice made it his job to put a smile on everyone’s face. He truly cared about everyone and wanted to see you happy. It saddens me to know that such an amazing person was taken from us the way he was but I know that the memory of Mr. John will live on forever. R.I.P John Rice.
I’ll miss the spring in his step, the smile on his face and his eagerness to lend a hand. He was an excellent pool player. I will miss losing.
John was such an Amazing presance at Flagler, and he really showed how he cared for the students. He was always there to lend a helping hand or an ear to someone in need. I know I would have never been able to move out in time last year if it wasnt for John. He saw me and my grandmother tring to get a years worth of stuff down to the car and provided us with a big orange cart to use, and an encourging smile.
Flagler college days wont be the same withouta a fist “pound-it” from John, as he passed by in the flagler breezway.
John Rice was a warmhearted man who always made me smile. He always took notice of my shoes and had a delightful comment about them. Walking through the breezeway will not be the same without seeing him. It saddens me to think future Flagler students will never know all he had to offer!
John Rice was a warmhearted man that always put a smile on my face! I’m going to miss his comments about my shoes. He would make me laugh with his remarks and walking through the breezeway just won’t be the same. You will be greatly missed and it saddens to me think that future flagler students will not get to experience all you had to offer!
Like so many others, I will remember John for his ability to bring happiness to others. John worked hard, and was constantly busy, yet he always made time to talk to the students at Flagler, and bring a bit of happiness into their days. I remember being so excited whenever I would see him around the theatre. He displayed such an interest in the plays we were doing, and never let a day go by without telling me, “Break a leg, my lady!” His dedication to helping others, whether it was helping move your furniture or simply a kind word, serves as an inspiration we could all imitate with greater frequency.
We can all surely learn a lesson from John’s conduct and demeanor. As he evidenced, a little bit of encouragement and friendliness goes a long way in touching the lives of so many people. Rest in peace, John. Heaven is a little brighter for having you there.
John was such a wonderful man. He was a ray of sunshine and he made sure to spread his happiness to everyone he met. He always made me smile and always had something nice to say to everyone. He was a kind soul who was never without a happy step in his walk and warmth in his eyes. John always extended his friendship to everyone he encountered. Our Flagler family has lost a dear friend but now has an angel looking down, smiling on all who walk the campus. My heart and prayers go out to Mr. Rice’s family and friends. John, I know youre in heaven making everyone there smile just like you made all of us at Flagler smile. May you rest in peace! Your kind heart will not be forgotten!
Mr. Rice was always a pleasant spirit to be around. He always found something nice to say about each person he encountered and always offered uplifting and positive advice. I will miss seeing him around campus.
I first met Johnny when I was a freshman way back in 1983…he was a fine young man then and I was delighted to see him when I came back to Flagler to teach. He has always been a class act and always had time for a quick positive word and a smile. Students have always loved him and it really saddens me that future students won’t get the chance to know him. My heart goes out to his real family as well as to his unnoficial family here at Flagler College. I know he is looking down on us and cheering Flagler on. I will always think of him whenever I need to be encouraged…he was always good for that!
John was one of the first people I met at Flagler. He was always smiling and always had time to chat. John was one of those special people who knew no strangers. My condolences to John’s family and the Flagler College Community.
John was one of the first people I met at Flagler. He always stopped to chat. John was one of those special people who knew no strangers.
It never seemed like John had a bad day. He left you in a better mood. He was a fixture in the fitness center and at games, cheering on students. He was patient and flexible. He never acted like you were an inconvenience, never made a big deal out of anything, and was always offering help.
I can’t imagine the hole left in his family, because the one left in the Flagler family cannot be filled. I hope all of us will show a little bit of John Rice to everyone we meet from now on.
Mr. John was one of the happiest, most sincere people I have ever met in my entire life. Flagler College has lost a little sunshine. Thank you, Mr. John for everything. <3 Angie and Amy
John was such a friend to everyone. I remember he was always around to lend a helping hand and offer kind words. One time I was moving back into the dorms and had to get all of my boxes downstairs to the basement to get to the freight elevator. Everything fell off of my cart because of the slope to the basement, but John was there and he helped me get everything back in place. I feel so sad for anyone who will never get the privilege to meet John. He had the best attitude of anyone I’ve ever met. He will be so missed by the Flagler community, and by me. RIP John. <3
John you were a true Gentleman. R.I.P.
My favorite memory of John will be from the graduation video we filmed several years ago. He was high-fiving each student entering the gymnasium and was so genuinely excited for them and their families. He loved the College and our students really meant something to him.
I will miss his smile and kind-hearted attitude. John was someone who always took the time to talk and ask me how I was doing and encouraged me to be a better person by his simple acts of kindness and gentle spirit.
What a gift heaven has received. John, we will miss you always.
9AM, almost every Saturday morning last year, we would see each other at the gym. We would catch each other up on our week, and during the week we would yell to each other in passing, “see you on Saturday!” He was a good, genuine man. It saddens me that everytime I ran into him this year, he would remind me about going to the gym, and catching up… but I hadn’t been able to. I’m going to make time this Saturday, John. I’ll run the bike for you, 9AM, and I know you’ll be there in spirit.
xxo,
Jacqueline
John Rice will be greatly missed. I remember him from when I first began teaching at Flagler in the mid-1990s. He was always a pleasure to interact with, always smiling, and always polite. It was so sad to read about how he was killed in the newspaper this morning and to see his smiling face on the front page–never to see him smiling and with a friendly greeting again. I did not know him well, but will miss how he could brighten anyone’s day.
The impact that Mr. Rice created across campus alone states how wonderful of a person he truly was. My favorite and most vivid memory of him was the day my best friend and I were hanging out by the pool, and John came over and sat down with us, talking about anything and everything there was to discuss. He continuously made me smile and always remembered my face after that day.
What I am so glad for is one of my most recent memories of him: The week classes started up this semester, John came up to me in the breezeway, fist bumped me, and asked me how my summer was. The fact that he could remember each individual student he interacted with tells a lot about him.
He served his time here, and I know everyone at Flagler will remember him and share his jokes, stories and experiences.
Aside from the noticeable fact that John loved working at Flagler, was wonderful with our students and a part of the Flagler family, he had a sweet spirit , always cheerful with a great attitude…He will be missed…there will be no one who will be able to replace John on all levels…I am so sorry for the loss to his family and hope that at some point they will be able to celebrate the life they had with him.
John was the first person who was a friend to me when I started working at the College. He always had a huge smile on his face and made sure to remind us all of the joy and beauty in each day. When you asked him how he was, the response was always something along the lines of “amazing, fantastic, or extraordinary.” He never had a bad day because to him, every day was a gift. I hope that he knows how much of an impact he made on me and on our entire community. He is truly missed, now and always.
I always loved to see John’s face with his friendly grin. He would joke around with me and sometimes we talked about new things that we had learned about nutrition and staying fit. It is painfully ironoc for me to remember that he said that he wanted to stay healthy so he could live a long and fruitful life. He was so full of energy and optimism. It is truly a tragedy that someone so full of life could be cut down so young. I was very fond of John and I will always remember him.
Catherine McFarland, Art Historian
I never knew John to have a bad day. He was always smiling and always encouraging. When I starting losing weight a few years ago, John started telling me I looked “fit.” It always put a smile on my face.
I also remember he used to like to wear sleeveless shirts. He was very proud of being physically fit. He worked out a lot. But he was also a great person on the inside.
I think the most wonderful thing about John is all the kind words everyone is sharing about him. I’ve learned that he was the exact same way with every single person he talked to every single day. He had a special joke or interaction with each person, and he knew them all by name.
The Flagler Family is better for having known him, and his absence is felt deeply. I think the best way we can honor John Rice’s memory is to all try to be more like him — warm, friendly and so happy to be alive. I think he would have liked that.
When I was a student I worked in the mail room. John would always come by to talk and joke. When I was stressed out about finals, he would pick a hybiscus from outside the Ponce and bring it to me.
I was hired to work at Flagler after being gone for a while, and no one was more excited than John. He gave me a fist bump, and made sure to come by my office often with more words of encouragement.
Not many are cut from the same cloth as John Rice, and I will miss him tremendously.
Whenever John would see me walking around campus looking stressed or unhappy, we would say, “Psst, smile.” Then he would hit me with one of his big smiles and some words of encouragement. His joy and love of life were infectious. I never saw John having a bad day, and it was hard to have one around him.
Mr. Rice was one of those rare few that was always smiling. I felt a connection to someone who saw the world as I do, with a bright smile every day, no matter what the circumstances were. His brightness will be surely missed on our campus and within every life he touched.
Love, PJ