Timothy James Rice Jr.

March 16, 1994 - December 26, 2021

Timothy “T.J” James Rice Jr. was known to most as a Son, Brother, Friend, Protector and for most of us a “Hero”. He left this world unexpectedly on December 26, 2021, at the age of 27 years old. T.J was survived by his mother, Selena & Ben “Payne” & his father, Timothy James Rice Sr. T.J was a beloved Grandson of “Nana” Denise “Dee” Dell & “Mimi” Teresa Mullins & Stan Rice. T.J was a loving brother of Skyler Payne, Alizabith, Alivia & Aleysha Fronning-Rice. T.J also had one beloved brother Joey Carlton, his cousin, who were inseparable throughout their lives. After graduating high school & college, T.J was eager to get right into the workforce to start making his own way. He was proud to work and make his own money, & loved working in the division of quality in the automotive industry. He took pride in living on his own and supporting himself. T.J was a man of few words at times, but his feelings truly showed by his actions; always making time to see his family, helping someone in need, & always wore his heart on his sleeve. He loved people and being around their presence. T.J loved sports and especially “Michigan Football”, he would often catch games with family members out of the blue. He loved representing the Detroit “D” on his hats. T.J loved listening to music wherever he was, whether it was driving or just sitting around the table with family or friends. We will always remember T. J’s song, “Only God Knows Why”. T.J would often be seen online playing “Call of Duty” on Xbox with his cousin, Joey Carlton and his sister, Skyler Payne. He also enjoyed riding his electric bike over to his sisters house to visit with them and catch up. He loved being able to go places when he wanted to. This was important to him because T.J suffered from epilepsy and the electric bike gave him back his “Freedom”. Although it was a difficult obstacle, he would manage to fight & not only for himself but the lives of others who suffered from it as well. He would attend fundraisers and provide awareness. We all forever know and love “Team T.J”. T.J was always a giving person whether it was taking one of his sisters out shopping or just stopping by to give some of his time. He cared about people and always held his family the closest. T.J was very close to his “Granny” & Grandpapa Sioui, he loved granny’s cooking and especially her “Spaghetti”. On his first birthday, he chose her spaghetti over birthday cake. Also Mimi's banana pudding. As we continue to remember and talk about T.J. he will always, and forever be our “Hero”. His selfless acts of kindness were one of his greatest attributes. T.J. was what many should strive to be and that is of a good human being, always trying to do for others and not putting himself first. He learned this from his mother whom he loved so much. She always kept him walking the line but what she did accomplish was making him into the Man we loved. T.J's selflessness carried on through his life as he was an organ donor, not knowing that in his leaving of this world he would give the greatest miracle to many other families during this holiday season. Even in his last moments here on earth T.J. brought light and happiness to others, it’s just who T.J was and that’s why he will always be our “Hero”. The family wants to give a huge thanks to the organization “Gift of Life” who supported and gave their time and kindness in our moments of sadness and sorrow. Timothy James Rice Jr. Service arrangements are as follows: