Bob Rice, 88, of Sparta, passed away May 3, 2021, at his residence.
Mr. Rice was born Dec. 24, 1932, in Putnam County, to Dewey Rice and Ola Harness Rice.
He was a member of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church, a retired construction worker, and an honorary and lifetime member of Johnson Chapel Volunteer Fire Department.
Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bobby Dean Rice; two grandchildren, Scott Davis, Josh Davis; nine siblings, Geraldine Felts, Barbara Goff, Mary Ellen Shackelford, Gene Rice, Bill Rice, Roy Rice, James Rice, Yune Rice; infant sister, Irene Rice; and special friend, Eddie Herman.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ruth Rice, of Sparta, three children, Connie Davis, of Sparta, Kenneth (Shawn) Rice, of Sparta, Terry Rice, of Sparta; five grandchildren, Whitney (Brandon) Cox, of Smithville, Daniel (Ashley) Rice, of Sparta, Dustin (Marissa) Rice, of Sparta, Courtney (Dustin) Estes, of Smithville, Conner Rice and fiancée Kimberly Hale, of Smithville; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Reba Davis, of Murfreesboro, Sue Perkins, of Baxter; one brother, Denver Rice, of Madison; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., May 5, 2021, at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Smithville, with burial in Peeled Chestnut, in White County. Bro. Elmore Judd and Bro. Jackie Miller will officiate. Visitation with the family will be 9-11 a.m., May 5, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Darrell Rice, Richard Rice, Danny Goff, Chad Gantt, Mike Goff, and Mike Maughan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Hutchings, Tony Hutchings, Donald Hutchings, and members of Johnson Chapel Fire Department.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Smithville, is in charge of arrangements.
