Arthur Kevin Rice 

September 23, 1953 – January 4, 2024

Anyone who knew Kevin will remember a disarming smile, a witty sense of humor, and a man who loved to help people. He was a rare soul who was careful, meticulous, organized, reliable, and planful; and at the same time was a free spirit, given to spontaneous adventures with family and friends. He was an artist, craftsman, perfectionist, chef, good neighbor, devoted father, trusted confidant, careful driver, enthusiastic volunteer, and anything a friend needed him to be. Kevin loved pie, children, friends, family, architecture, music, golden retrievers, coffee, Ireland, good food, and hats, though not necessarily in that order. Kevin constantly made people laugh, but never once at the expense of another. Kevin was sensitive, caring, generous and thoughtful. Kevin was a treasure, and his loss is unfathomable.

Kevin was born in Robinson, Illinois, the first of two siblings to Charles Leon Rice and Margaret (Maggie) Ann Rice. At age 12, he moved with his family to Olney, Illinois where he grew up alongside his younger sister, Lagretta Sue, whom he fondly referred to as “Susie,” with his mother Margaret (Maggie) Farris, and stepfather John H. Farris, Sr. Kevin graduated with the East Richland High School Class of 1971. He moved to Atlanta in the fall of 1971 to live with his father, Charles and attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he studied architecture until 1974. Kevin decided to study architecture abroad and spent a year exploring Europe, especially Ireland where he developed a deep love of his ancestral homeland. During his travels, he discovered that the life of an artist was calling to him more than that of an engineer.

In 1975, Kevin returned to Atlanta and found what he was looking for. He began working at Art Glass Studio of Atlanta under the mentorship of George and Joan Goodyear. The precision craftsmanship and artistic constraints of stained glass proved a perfect medium for Kevin’s artistic perfectionism.

It was through the Atlanta Glass Art Guild that Kevin met Theresa Sherburne Kobres, whom he married in 1981. In his marriage to Theresa, Kevin gained an 11-year-old stepson, Erick Kobres, to whom he was a patient, present and devoted father. Kevin had no other children and considered Erick to be his son.

Soon after marriage, Kevin and Theresa opened their own art glass studio, Scoreline Studios in Marietta, Georgia. There they continued creating and constructing one-of-a-kind art glass pieces for many years. Kevin also consulted and worked with other Atlanta-area glass artists from time-to-time, gaining a reputation as a skilled artist and craftsman. Kevin and Theresa also opened a catering business, Sherburne & Rice Catering Company, which eventually become their primary focus. In 1995, Kevin and Theresa parted ways amicably, remaining friends.

He continued working with local art-glass studios until 2012, and still enjoyed helping with occasional catering engagements until 2023.

In 2011, Kevin discovered a new calling that allowed him to serve his community. He became a school-bus driver for Fulton County, a job he dearly loved and which he held until his death.

Kevin passed away unexpectedly in his home in Cumming, Georgia on January 4, 2024 at the age of 70.

Kevin is survived by his stepson and stepdaughter-in-law Erick Christian and Jennifer Mayer Kobres; step grandchildren Jasmine and Christian Kobres; and sister Lagretta Sue Rice. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ann Farris; stepfather, John H. Farris Sr.; and father, Charles Leon Rice.

The family plans to have a private celebration of Kevin’s life.

In lieu of a public service, flowers, or donations, the family hopes any who were close to him will also find time to get together one last time to celebrate his memory and perhaps have a sip of Irish whisky or a warm piece of pie with a cup of coffee.

Georgia Cremation