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Matt Rice, of Fairax, died unexpectedly on May 18, 2024, according to his obituary on the Fairfax Memorial Home website.
He leaves behind his wife, Christina; son, Clayton; parents, Ronald and Shannon; brother, sister-in-law, and niece, Ryan, Lindsay, and Rylea, mother-in-law, Cynthia Miller and brother-in-law, Ryan Fowler, and countless more.
A GoFundMe for Matt's family had raised more than $51,000 as of press time.
"Mr. Matt," as he was known to students, worked in Oakton's Waples Mill Elementary School's Student Age Child Care program, his obituary says. He also worked with disabled children at the Kilmer Center, showing up with both enthusiasm and care.
"My kids and so many others learned and grew under Matt's watch," writes the founder of the Rice family GoFundMe campaign, Crystal Philcox Plater.
"He was always busy with his landscaping business or donating his time and resources to set up events and help others. He was incredibly giving, authentic, and genuine. And he loved life - water skiing, fireworks, bonfires, camping, ax throwing, bowling, snow skiing, golfing, karaoke, parasailing. We did all these things with Matt, and he brought the fun to every activity."
A celebration of life is set for Saturday, May 25 at the McLean Bible Church at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service. Interment will be at Fairfax Memorial at 2 p.m.
Click here to donate to Matt Rice's family and here for his complete obituary.
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