Thomas (“Tommy”) Wade Rice

Thomas (“Tommy”) Wade Rice, 73, of Waynesboro, VA joined his parents, Johnnie Wilson Rice and Thomasia Sue Stater, his first born daughter, Wanda Kay Kramer, his faithful companion “Eli the Wonder Dog”, and many others, in Heaven the morning of January 24, 2025. 

What a beautiful reunion that must be!

   

Born in Richmond, VA on December 17, 1951, Tommy was premature with little eyesight. He spent most of his childhood growing up at The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) in Staunton, VA. He is now reunited with, but also leaves behind many close friends he made over the years at school. He then attended The University of Virginia (UVA) for a short while where he was very valuable to the debate team.

   

After college, Tommy aspired to become a country music artist. Despite his challenges, he became one of the best blind, guitar picking singers out there. He even won an East Coast Male Country Vocalist of the Year award for his performance of “Like A Rock” on stage at a fair in Waynesboro. He enjoyed writing songs of all kinds for his audiences of all kinds. He called his music “Meat and Potatoes Country.” Tommy’s witty sense of humor and his amazing musical talent made him a great joy to be around. 

 

He is survived by his daughter Tara Lynn Rice, and her mother Judith Alexander, his seven beautiful grandchildren, Kristin Kramer, Adam Finch, Kaylynn Finch, Kemper McCray, Layla McCray, Tripp McCray and Lucas Turner, who knew him as their “Pee-Paw”, and his three sisters, P.J. Harrison and husband Ted, Donna Reedal and husband Steve, and Wendy Rice, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Tommy Rice is well loved and will be missed beyond measure.