Jeffrey Dwain Rice, 49, of Sparta, passed away Jan. 8, 2023, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital, in Sparta.
He was born Feb. 4, 1973, in Sparta, the son of Willie Bethel Rice and Willie Pearl Goodson Rice.
Jeff worked for many years as a HVAC certified service technician, but his real joy was being a devoted husband, stay-at-home dad, and grandfather. Jeff really enjoyed taking care of his family, and he was a caregiver for his mother in her later years. As well as being a family man, Jeff enjoyed riding his motorcycle, along with fishing, various projects with cars, and his pets.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Janet Sanders, and other family members.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Brandi Rice, of Sparta; son, Tyler Rice, of Sparta; daughters, Brooke White (Aaron), of Sparta, Alyssa Rice, of Sparta, Alexis Rice, of Sparta; grandchildren, Emmett White, Charlotte “Baby Charlie” White, Zion White; aunt, Carolyn Edwards (Walt), of Ft. Mohave, Arizona; cousin, Deidra Breaux, of Alvin, Texas; sisters-in-law, Trisha Young (Kenneth), of Sparta, Jessica Harris (Troy), of Carthage; father-in-law, Larry Howell, of Sparta; niece, Sarah Jared (Levi), of Crossville; nephew, Caleb Rice (Courtney), of Crossville; great-nieces and great-nephews, Bryleigh Jared, Bray Jared; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Jan. 14, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Old Zion Cemetery. Tyler Rice and Johnnie Westmoreland will officiate. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Jan. 13, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Rice, Kenneth Young, Chad Fisher, Caleb Rice, Levi Norris, Bobby Prater, and Chris Pinegar.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
