WILLY RICE

William (Willy) Rice is the pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida and he has served there since 2004.

Dr. Rice has been active in denominational leadership roles. He served as President of the Florida Baptist Convention from 2006-2008 and he served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference in 2015. He has also served as Chairman of the SBC Committee on Committees (2010), Chairman of the SBC Committee on Nominations (2016), President of the Florida Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference (2004) along with other local, state, and national positions.

Before coming to Calvary Dr. Rice pastored the Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola for seven years. Prior to pastoring Hillcrest Dr. Rice had pastored the Gladeview Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama (1992-1997), the Cypress Lake Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida (1987-1992) and the Bethel Baptist Church in Dora, Alabama (1984-1987).

Dr. Rice is a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama with a B.A. degree (1985) and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree (1990) and a Doctor of Ministry degree (1996).

Willy is married to Cheryl (Baker). She is a graduate of Samford University and they have three children and five grandchildren.