Oliver Wade Rice, 84, of Grenada, MS, passed away peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to his family. He was born on April 25, 1941 in Philadelphia, MS.

Wade was a graduate of Canton High School in Canton, Mississippi, and attended Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. As a young man, he enjoyed playing marbles and achieved a remarkable accomplishment by winning the World Championship in 1959, just prior to his graduation.

Throughout his life, he held a variety of roles, including drafting engineer, business owner, and educator at Grenada High School.

Outside of his work, Wade enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing at his cabin on the Big Black River. He loved playing men’s adult softball and spent many years coaching his children through their youth and into their young adult lives. He was a constant and supportive presence at ballfields, especially at baseball and softball games.

Wade also enjoyed traveling and RVing with his family, creating lasting memories along the way. He especially looked forward to summers spent at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he enjoyed watching horse races and sharing laughter with family and friends—especially during the well-loved tradition of watching BoBo the Clown get dunked.

He was a devoted husband to Dorothy McNeal Rice and a dedicated family man.

Wade is survived by his wife and his children: Sandi Rice Woods, Mike Rice(Kim), Steve Rice(Michelle), and Angel Rice Rogers. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, including Lauren Anderson(Richie), Raven Phillips(Wesley), Jared Woods, Josh Rice(Kathleen), Tripp Rogers(Leigh), Jason Rice(Nicole), Presley Rice, Kaylee Rice, Parker Rice, and Paxton Claire Rice.

Along with 12 great grandchildren including; Lane Rice, Landon Rice, Lance Anderson, Langston Anderson, Walker Woods, Isabella Phillips, Christian Phillips, Oakley Woods, Cooper Rice, John Gipson Rogers, John Wylder Rice, and Jaxon Wade Rice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe Alton Rice and Lucy Helen Griffin; his brother, Randy Rice; and his granddaughter, Anna Grace Rogers.

He is also survived by two brothers & one sister in law. Charles Rice(Mattie), Phil Rice(Deborah), & Faith Rice. Along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Wade will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his family, and the time he invested in the people and traditions he loved most.

Though his passing leaves a space that can never be filled, his love and the lessons he shared will carry on through the generations he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 16, 2026 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Rev. Tim Winters and Dr. Joey Faulk officiating. Interment will follow in the Gore Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday evening and one hour prior to the service Thursday all at McKibben and Guinn.