Since the founding of Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center in 1937, many changes have occurred over the years in our industry. That's why we continually strive to offer the most up-to-date source of information to keep you informed.
The funeral home made its beginning on July 1, 1937, on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Our founders were J.B. Burgin Anders, C.J. "Curtis" Rice, and the Rev. W.S. "Scott" Vehaun, all of whom provided the foundation, professionalism, and reputation we are proud of today.
When Mr. Curtis Rice and Mr. Burgin Anders retired, the funeral home continued to operate under the direction of the Rice Family and the leadership of James T. “J.T.” Rice Sr. Under J.T.’s leadership, Anders-Rice moved to its current location on Patton Avenue on September 4, 1967.
Leadership was later passed on to James T. “Tommy” Rice Jr., which continued until a transfer of ownership on September 1, 2022, to the Roper family. It was a tremendous time in our history when Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center was entrusted to the Roper family following 85 years of service by the Rice family. Today, Adam, Lesley, Fern, and Mabel “Mae” are proud to continue the tradition of caring for the families of Western North Carolina
We have continued our family-owned tradition for more than 85 years by offering our community and the families of Western North Carolina a complete personalized service in all areas of burial and cremation choices.
James T. "Tommy" Rice Jr.
Funeral Director Emeritus
Retired in December 2023
Tommy is a lifelong resident of West Asheville. He is a 1974 graduate of Asheville High School, a graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Technical College (where he received his Associates Degree in Accounting), a graduate of Mars Hill College (receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration), and a 1979 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA.
A third-generation funeral director, he started in the funeral profession at the age of 10. Tommy is our former President/Treasurer and is the son of the late James T. "J.T." Rice Sr. and Doris Miller Rice.
He has been a licensed funeral director since 1976, a licensed embalmer since 1979, and he holds his N.C. Life Insurance License.
Tommy was an active member of the Asheville-West Rotary Club, where he had served as President and was on numerous committees, and he is a member of the Paul Harris Society. He is involved in many community services and helps serve as a volunteer for many of the non-profit associations.
His hobbies include traveling, reading, hiking, motorcycle riding, and boating at Lake Lure.
James T. "J.T." Rice Sr.
Founder
In Memoriam:
June 9, 1924 -
January 26, 2010
In Loving Memory
J.T. was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County and was married September 12, 1948, to the former Doris Elaine Miller. They had one son, James T. "Tommy" Rice Jr. A second-generation funeral director, J.T. served as President and Treasurer for Anders-Rice Funeral Home and was a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 60 years of experience.
His education included Woodfin Grammar School, Grace High School, Mars Hill College, and the first class of John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science. J.T. was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army-Air Corps, stationed in Nuthamstead, England, as a Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner on B-17's. He was also a licensed pilot.
He was an honorary member of the West Asheville Kiwanis Club and a former member of Biltmore Kiwanis Club, of which he served as president of both and was a former Lieutenant Governor of District 1 of Kiwanis of Western North Carolina. Professionally, he was a former District Director and a member of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, member of the National Funeral Directors Association, and a member of the Flying Funeral Directors of America.
In our community, J.T. served on the Asheville Civil Service Board, Buncombe County Sheriff's Advisory Committee, past Chairman of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority, Mars Hill College Board of Advisors and Trustees, and charter President of the Western Carolina Pilots Association. J.T. was a member of the Vance Masonic Lodge, member of the Oasis Shriners Temple, and a member of Newbridge Baptist Church.
His hobbies included his love of flying and boating on Lake Lure.
Doris M. Rice
Founder
In Memoriam:
September 11, 1926 -
July 30, 2020
In Loving Memory
Doris was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, and she married J.T. Rice in 1948. They had one son, James T. "Tommy" Rice Jr.
Doris was a 1944 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School. She is the daughter of the late William Cassady "Cass" Miller and Bessie Covington Miller, formerly of Asheville.
She served as the Vice President of Anders-Rice Funeral Home and assisted in numerous activities over the many years.
Doris was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Western North Carolina Aeronautical Association. She served as a volunteer for many organizations, including The March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Cancer Society.
Her hobbies included her love for craft making (she is well known for her Ribbon Roses), bowling, boating, and spending time with her family.
Click here to read the obituary for Doris Rice.
J.T. and Doris Rice's Wedding Day - 1948
Lila Rice's Obituary (Mother of J.T. Rice)
Photo Gallery
Who We Are
Our staff is here to provide you with excellent care and service during your time of loss. Get to know the people who will help you through the planning process.
SUPPORT AFTER A LOSS
Circle of Friends+ provides you with resources on grief support and settling affairs, sent to you via text and email.
Translate This Website: