Mr. Willie L. Rice's Obituary
Today we celebrate the Home going of Deacon Willie Lee Rice Sr. He was the fourth child born to the late William "Bill" J Rice and Julia Mae Rice. He was proceeded in death by his son, Johnny Anthony Rice; his father; two brothers, Govan Rice and Simmie Lee Rice; and one sister, Betty RiceHiggins. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. He was a faithful member at Poplar Springs and in his young adult life ordained as a Deacon. On March 20, 1959, he married Fannie Mae Dubose-Rice, and they have celebrated 63 years of marriage. To this union, four children were born. In the year of 2006, the Lord used him to serve as one of the Pillars of Holy Remnant Church. As a senior Deacon, he was a voice of wisdom in this ministry. Deacon Rice served as a trustee, a member of the Boys to Men ministry, and always participated in ministry activities. Deacon Willie L. was an active and faithful member of the leadership team at Holy Remnant Church until his health failed.. Deacon Rice was a long time employee of Waters International where he worked until his retirement. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Fannie Mae Rice; three children, Willie Lee Rice Jr., Morris Lee Rice, and Yvonna Rice, all of Meridian, MS; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Julia Mae Rice; one brother, Willie Frank Rice; seven sisters, Evangelist Rose Brown, Mable (Cleveland) Stringfellow, Ida B. Delk, Annie B. (Cleo) Gaddis, Pastor Pearl (Bishop Dennis) Huggins, all of Meridian MS, Minister Dorothy (Silas) Dickson, Oakwood Village, Ohio and Patricia Jones of Bedford Heights, Ohio; 4 sister-in-law's, Johnnie (Olan) Davis, Lenora Banks, Etta Jean Rice and Velma Rice. He will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Willie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Willie?
Share a story where Willie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Willie you’ll never forget.
How did Willie make you smile?
