Myrl "Perk" Louis Rice Jr

Myrl “Perk” Louis Rice Jr, age 87, of Mechanicsburg died on Saturday, March 9, 2024.  Perk was born on Monday, March 8, 1937, in Lewistown to the late Myrl Louis Rice Sr and Eleanor (McHale) Rice.  In addition to his parents, Perk is preceded in death by his daughter, Betsy Rice.

Perk’s survivors include his wife of 61 years, Joan Ilene (Groce) Rice; his three children: Susan “Sue” Stoner and her husband, Glen, of Lewisberry, PA, Becky Preneau and her husband, Nick, of Mechanicsburg, PA, Steven “Steve” Rice and his wife, Patty, of Shermansdale, PA; and his two granddaughters: Adelene and Margot.

Perk graduated from Carlisle High School as part of the class of 1955 and attended Shippensburg University.  He was proud to have served in the United States Army.   Perk was a lifetime member of the Elks and the Legion.  He was in the restaurant business his entire life and he and his wife were the owners and operators of Inn 74 in Landisburg for over 40 years.  Perk played semi-professional football as part of the Cumberland County Colts.  He used his talent to mentor others, and coached midget football for 20 years.  Perk loved cars and motorcycles and was one of the founders of the South Penn Enduro Riders and the South Mountain Drag Strip.   He was passionate about his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and the years of riding and fellowship with other riders.   Perk always made time for family, and cherished the time he spent visiting his granddaughters. 

All are welcome to join Peck’s family at his celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 12:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation); with Celebrant George Spangler celebrating.   Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.   Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Perk’s life can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate or Four Diamonds, 1249 Cocoa Avenue, Suite 115, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033, https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm.

Perk’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Perk’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.