Lee Rice

Born in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late William Edward Rice and Kathleen Reid Rice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Lester Dan “Danny” Rice and Jerry Dean “Dean” Rice.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Darlene Rice; son, Clay Stillwell and wife, Julie of Hickory, daughter, Crystal Rice Woolard and husband, Jeff of Harpers Ferry, WV; 4 grandchildren, Brittany Woolard, Brandon Wilt, Paige Stillwell, Ashlee Stillwell; and 2 great-grandchildren, Myles Christopher Caro, Hunter Scott Lee Caro.

Lee was a career trucker for over 30 years. He enjoyed the freedom of driving and the sights of the countryside. Lee carefully planned his work life so that his routes brought him home to his family every single night.

Lee’s sense of humor is legendary and his best pranks were reserved for his family. His favorite was to sit in silence waiting to be discovered in a preposterous wig, a ridiculous hat or crazy glasses. Darlene and the kids declared his masterpiece to be the day they came home to find him working in the garden wearing his cowboy boots with shorts.

A favorite pastime for Lee was fishing from lakeside or riverbank Andy Griffith style. He had a yard sale fishing pole and used whatever bait was available. Lee also had a fisherman’s heart for his fellow human beings. Soft spoken words, a humble nature and a gentle spirit drew people to Lee and he freely shared the gospel with them.

A celebration of life will held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Tri-City Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Hugh Whitfield will officiate. A private interment will take place at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. on Thursday at the church prior to the service.

Contributions in remembrance of Lee may be made to Tri-City Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 40, Conover NC 28613. Phone: 828-465-6644

The Rice family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremations in Conover.

Condolences may be sent to the Rice family at www.drumfh-conover.com