Fred D. Rice III

Fred D. Rice III was born in Miami, Arizona in the old Miami-Inspiration Hospital on October 5, 1957 to Fred D. Rice Jr. and Nancy (Owen) Rice.  Fred passed away on August 19, 2025. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Karen, his daughter Stephani (Mike) Porter and grandchildren Riley and Brooke. Fred loved his immediate family with all he had, and they loved him back the same way. When Fred became a part of Karen and Stephi’s family, he embraced his role as a father, and then later grandfather. His daughter and grandchildren felt the true love of a father and grandpa. His passing has left a huge void in all of their lives. Fred enjoyed taking excellent care of his wife, Karen, and showing her how much he loved her in many ways, big and small. Fred is also survived by brother Tom (Diane) and sister Barbara. Until his death, Fred and his siblings were very close. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Fred graduated from Miami High School and University of Arizona with degrees in General Business and Finance and became a lifelong Wildcat fan in all sports. He was also a huge Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals fan.

Fred worked a few jobs including at Inspiration Copper, prior to starting a long career with Aztar, a gaming company with casinos across the US. He specialized in budgeting and finance and helped the company grow prior to being sold. Aztar is also where he met Karen, who would later become his wife and soulmate. He returned to work later working for a private equity company to finish out his career.

In retirement, Fred and Karen purchased a summer cabin in Lakeside and enjoyed spending time in the White Mountains escaping the desert heat. Fred enjoyed playing golf and traveling to San Diego and Hawaii. Fred loved playing golf so much that he took his clubs with him whenever traveling to a destination where he would have the opportunity to play.

Fred was a huge giver. He wanted those around him to be happy and did whatever he could do within his power to make it happen for them. He found joy in giving gifts to those he loved that meant something to them. He had a way of connecting with all of those that he cared about and loved.

Fred will be missed by a large network of friends and family.