Funeral services for William Ray Rice, 89, of Cornelia, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris York and the Rev. Robert Nix officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Rice took his heavenly flight home to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Born Oct. 14, 1932, in Union County, he was a son of the late John Evon "J.E." and Rose Southers Rice. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his son, Duane Edward Rice; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille Rice Powell and Milton Powell, and Lorraine Rice Goss and Mack Goss; brothers, J.W. Rice and Leroy Rice.
Ray served his country proudly in the United States Army. He worked in the textile industry with Clarkesville Mill where he retired after 43 years of dedicated service. Ray was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, former Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Director for many years. His humble spirit, desire to help others, and loving nature exuded the love that Christ has for us all. Most of all, Ray was a devoted husband, Dad, and Papa who enjoyed spending time with all of his family. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Maxine Franklin Rice of Cornelia; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Melanie Rice of Clarkesville, Donald and Melissa Rice of Cornelia, and Daryl and Misty Rice of Demorest; grandchildren, Brandon Shook, Haley Rice, Dylan Rice, Connor Rice, and Carter Rice; sister-in-law, Oveline Rice of Clarkesville; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
Flowers are accepted or the family requests that memorial donations be made to Gideons International, c/o Habersham North Camp, P.O. Box 1855, Clarkesville, GA. 30523.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Pruitt Health Hospice for their excellent care.
An online guest registry is available for the Rice family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville.