Richard Reece Percival,Iii

On January 6th, 2023 Richard Reece Percival III died peacefully at Hopehealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence at the age of 72.

"Reece", as he was affectionately known, was born to Richard Reece Percival Jr. and Hilda (Northup) Percival on March 10, 1950 at Newport Hospital. They lived in Newport until moving to their family home in East Greenwich, RI in 1956.

Reece was a full-time self-employed painter by trade for over 40 years.  He truly enjoyed all of his clients, who almost always turned into friends.

He had many lifelong friends who he loved dearly, talked about fondly, and spoke with often. From 4H, to the Patriots, to road trips, music festivals and the "fireman's hall", his friends were the best part of many of his hobbies and adventures.

Everyone who knew him well, knew that his tough, grumpy exterior was just a facade. He seemed to always put everyone before himself. He was witty, loving, charismatic, loyal and hard-working.  He was known as someone who would shoot from the hip and rarely chose to sugarcoat anything.

Perhaps the most admirable of all his traits, was treating everyone he met with respect. He could go into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends.  No matter where he ventured, he always seemed to find someone he knew.

He will always be remembered for living life his way. Although he usually preferred the road less traveled, whether on his Harley or in his van, he always found his way home. Home was his favorite place to be, in his chair, sharing one of his home cooked meals with the people he loved and of course Otis, his Springer Spaniel.

Reece is survived by his his wife, love of his life and best friend, Nancy (Johnson) Gilbride Percival, his daughter Victoria Butler and her husband Aaron, his son Ryan Reece Percival and his wife Macayla, his daughter Allison (Hamel) Walker and her husband Will, his step-son James Gilbride and wife Elisabeth, and his three grandchildren, Desmond, Preston and Maya. He was predeceased by his sister, Martha Guilfoyle.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday January 12th from 5-8pm at Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St. East Greenwich. Graveside service on Friday January 13th, 11am at Elm Grove Cemetery in North Kingstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to Yellow Horse Equine Therapeutic Riding Program: https://www.yellow-horse-equine.com/donate-now.html .