Gregory Allen Rice—Allen to most, “Granddaddy” and “Bammy” to those lucky enough to be his grandkids—left this world on October 2, 2026, after putting up one hell of a fight against pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the family he loved, in the home he built with his beloved wife of 26 years, Janet Rice.
Allen was born on October 23, 1956, the youngest of four children to Bob and Ruth Rice. He attended and was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church in his youth, beginning a life grounded in family, faith, and a whole lot of personality, along with his siblings Judy Buckner, Richard “Dicky” Rice, and Lee Rice.
Allen was the kind of man who worked hard, played hard, laughed often, and loved big. He never seemed to meet a stranger, or good time he didn’t want to join. He knew how to make people laugh, how to tell a story, and how to enjoy the ride—even when the road took a few unexpected turns.
He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his children: Kristen Mitchell (Brad), Jason Rice (Sabrina), Bobby Rice (Samantha), and Jennifer Fulmer (Jason)—His grandchildren—Stephine, Austin, Kaitlyn, Tristan, Brayden, Addison, Madeline, Jessilynn, and Margaret June—And six great-grandchildren. Allen also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, neighbors that became family, and his loyal K-9 companion Toby Keith Rice.
He loved traveling, especially trips to the mountains Harrah’s, in Cherokee, North Carolina in particular. And, of course, there was Vegas, baby!
But if you knew Allen, you know he wouldn’t want everyone sitting around being sad for too long. So raise a glass. Enjoy some good food. Tell a story. Laugh. Take a road trip. Hug your people a little tighter. And if you’re ever in Vegas, put a little something on red.
Leaving a legacy measured not in things, but in people, memories, laughter, and love, the mighty oak may have fallen, but its roots run deep, and “strong like bull”.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed on greenefuneralhome.net. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hills Cemetery, 4290 Old York Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for research or patient support by visiting: https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/