Charles Donald Rice

Charles Donald Rice, 71, of Eckhart went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2026 after years of battling COPD and recently was diagnosed with heart failure after surviving a massive heart attack just 3 weeks prior. He was born on January 21, 1955 in Front Royal Virginia. He was a Veteran of the US Army and was a huge Nascar Fan. Charles previously worked at the Cumberland Times News in the mail room and went on to work at Hinkles Pharmacy in Columbia Pa. as a handy man. He loved the outdoors and spending time with the children he stepped up to raise as his own and his grandchildren. He was known as Charlie, Dad, Chuckie, and Paw Paw to all who loved him.

He leaves behind 3 daughters Dayna Hockman (Deane), Kate Martin (Bryan), Dawn Laird (Tim) One son Keith Charles Grove Jr; 12 grandchildren Travis, Aaron(Arianah), Matthew, Nicholas, Mya, Alisha(Vadin), Joshua(Claire), Khloe, Little Charlie, Zackery, Aabriella, and Lucius; and 5 Great Grandchildren Parker, Noah, Oliver, Jaxton and Hazel. 

Everyone who met Charlie loved him. He was a very stubborn man and was set in his ways but would melt when it came to his grandchildren. Although his 4 children were not biologically his, he made it his mission in life to raise them as his own. Charles would tell you his greatest joys in life were his Nascar races on Sunday, his Monday night wrestling and his children and Grandkids. He was a great man who not only stepped up to the plate but took on the roll of Dad. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him and his memory will live on through his children and grandchildren.

His Family would like to thank the Hospice Team at UPMC and the VA clinic for all they have done for him during his time with us. 

Donald will be cremated in accordance with his wishes and no services will be held at this time.

A small celebration of life will be held on July 3th, 2026. Please contact Dayna Hockman for more information.