Dearick Anthony Rice, son of the late George Gaither and Joyce Rice Rusk, was born September 7, 1966 in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Bloomington Public Schools and Illinois State University. Dearick received his Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate from Heartland Community College, Normal, IL.
Dearick professed his hope in Christ at age 11 and was baptized at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Bloomington, IL.
He was married to Ferlina Timan and to this union was born one son, Avery Rice (deceased). He later married Christina Stika (deceased) and to this union was born one daughter, Sadie Mahaela Rice.
Dearick was employed by various restaurants in the Bloomington-Normal area. He was a D.J. extraordinaire and an exceptionally good cook.
His life will forever be cherished by his daughters, Iman B. Rice, U.S. Navy stationed in Guam and Sadie M. Rice, Lebanon, IL; mother, Joyce Rusk, and sister, Jennifer Rusk, both of Bloomington, IL; special friend, Ashley Hursey, and a host of family and friends.
Dearick departed this life peacefully on December 19, 2021 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, IL.
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