Master Chief William T. Rice (Ret.)

Candler – Master Chief William T. Rice (Ret.), 82, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late Edward Rice and Agnes Hutchison and was also preceded in death by his brother, Geames Rice. Master Chief Rice served in the U.S. Navy having served in Vietnam and aboard many ships, including the USS America and the USS Valley Forge. Following his military retirement he served many years and retired from the USPS. He was also a pilot and loved horses. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Revounda Ducker Rice; children: Dalane Rice and wife Jayne of Spartanburg, SC, Tanya White of Asheville, Darren Rice and wife Melissa of Whitesburg, GA, Sean Rice of Atlanta, GA, and Jason Rice of Weaverville; grandchildren: Josh Rice, Morgan Bass, Ashley Rossy, Jacob Rice, Justin Rice, Harlow Rice, Christian Rice, Keaton White, and Scottie White; great-grandchildren: Riley Hixon, Brody Hixon, Jaelyn Rice, and Halen White; sisters: Pauline Blankenship , and Jennifer Howell both of Asheville; sister-in-law, Mary Rice of Greeneville, TN; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, February 13, 2021 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with Pastor Allen Rash officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Navy. The body will lie in state at the funeral home on Saturday from 11 AM until 1:30 PM. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions we encourage everyone to make the best decisions to remain safe. If anyone wishes to attend these gatherings, please remember to remain 6 feet apart from those not in your household and masks are required. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at: www.stjude.org