Mr. Bob Rice, age 88 of Sparta passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021 at his residence.

Mr. Rice was a member of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church, a retired construction worker, and an honorary and lifetime member of the Johnson Chapel Volunteer Fire Department. 

Bob was born on December 24, 1932 in Putnam County to his parents, the late Dewey and Ola Harness Rice. Also preceding him in death was his son, Bobby Dean Rice; two grandchildren, Scott Davis and Josh Davis; nine siblings, Geraldine Felts, Barbara Goff, Mary Ellen Shackelford, Gene Rice, Bill Rice, Roy Rice, James Rice, Yune Rice, and infant sister, Irene Rice; and special friend, Eddie Herman.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ruth Rice of Sparta, TN; 3 children, Connie Davis of Sparta, Kenneth (Shawn) Rice of Sparta, and Terry Rice of Sparta; 5 grandchildren, Whitney (Brandon) Cox of Smithville, Daniel (Ashley) Rice of Sparta, Dustin (Marissa) Rice of Sparta, Courtney (Dustin) Estes of Smithville, Conner Rice and fiance Kimberly Hale of Smithville; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Reba Davis of Murfreesboro and Sue Perkins of Baxter; 1 brother, Denver & Linda Rice of Madison; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, May 5, at 11am in the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Elmore Judd and Bro. Jackie Miller will officiated and burial followed at Peeled Chestnut Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Darrell Rice, Richard Rice, Danny Goff, Chad Gantt, Timmy Shackelford and Mike Maughon. Honorary Pallbearers included Jeremy Hutchings, Tony Hutchings, Ronald Hutchings and members of the Johnson Chapel Fire Dept.

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Smithville Review

(Smithville, Tenn.)

May 12, 2021