Billy Ray Rice, Sr.

Asheville Billy Ray Rice, Sr., 72, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospitals. A native and resident of Buncombe County for most of his life, Mr. Rice had retired from Southern Railway, and had formerly attended Ivy Ridge First Church of God in Madison County. He was a friendly man who never met a stranger. Mr. Rice was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Mr. Rice was the son of the late Fulty and Lucy May Wilson Rice. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Brenda Lloyd Rice, who passed away October 13, 2003; a sister and four brothers. Surviving are his wife of 14 years, Melissa Lynn Rice; son, Fulty Billy Ray Rice, Jr. and wife Lisa Louanne of Weaverville; daughter, Tracie Wilcox and husband Edward Wayne of Nebo; 10 grandchildren; brothers: Joseph Rice and Jerry Rice; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the services at the funeral home.