John Thomas (J.T.) Rice Jr.

Mr. Rice was a member and Deacon of Calvary Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing bass in the choir for 40-plus years and singing Southern Gospel music in many places. J. T. graduated from Lufkin High School in 1943. He then served in the Army Air Corps in the European Theater during World War II. He served in the 2252nd Quartermaster Truck Co. attached to the 394th Bomb Group. Mr. Rice retired from Champion/International paper after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margie Williford Rice; son, David Michael Rice of Henderson; grandsons, Michael Kenneth Rice and wife Elizabeth of Henderson, Adam Bennett Rice and wife Kim of Austin; granddaughter, Sarah Rice Holloway and husband Bill of Wylie; great grandchildren, Gage, Colton, Logan, Sierra, Kaidence and Jacie Rice; sister, Marie Rice McIntosh of Lufkin; brothers and sisters-in-law, D. G. (Yank) and Lydia Rice, Archie and Mildred Rice of Lufkin, Irvin (N. I.) and Evelyn Rice of Brazoria, Gilbert and Woodie Rice of Pollok, Charles Ray and Lynnise Rice of Mt. Sylvan, and Bob and Gayle Rice of Lufkin; brothers, Jim E. Rice of Seven Point and Joe K. Rice of Lufkin; sisters-in-law, Betty Allen Rice, Molly Jo and Leonard Avery and Bertie B. Williford of Lufkin; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

J. T. was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elvin G. Rice; baby sister, Margie Jane Rice; and brothers-in-law, Delbert Williford and James McIntosh.

Pallbearers will be Gene Carter, Marvin Slusher, Kenneth Baker, Bill Stewart, Glenn Johnson and Dale Childress.

Services for J. T. will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Calvary Baptist Church with Reverend Randy Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home