J. B. Rice

MARSHALL Joseph Boyd J.B. Rice, 56, of 182 Zenina Farms Drive passed away Monday, December 7, 2009. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He retired from the N.C. DOT and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Rice was a son of Dovie Marler Rice of the home and the late Clarence Rice. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Mae Rice. Surviving in addition to his mother are his son, Matthew J. Rice (Caroline) of Marion; grandchildren, Shelby, Skylar and Lily; step children, Jackie Cooper, Peggy Garrett and Toby Norton; 7 step grandchildren; sisters, Brenda Marler (Ronnie) and Lettie Hensley (Steve); and brother, Otis Rice (Norma). Funeral services will be held 1:30 P.M. Thursday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Royce Metcalf officiating. Burial will follow in Refuge Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.