Mr. John Jerrel Rice went to be with the Lord at the age of 73 on July 23, 2021. He was the husband of Barbara Simmons Rice. The son of Louise Ayers Rice and the late John Jefferson Rice of Royston, he was born in Royston, GA. and was a graduate of Hart County High School in 1966. He attended Gordon Military College and Athens Tech. He was a building contractor and farmer for most of his life and was in the GA National Guard for eight years. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Survivors include wife; children: Rick Rice and family of Elberton, GA., Ken Rice and family of Elberton, GA., and Chrissy Rice Evans and family of Dewy Rose, GA.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers: Gary "Ace" Rice of Royston, GA., and Jerry "Scoot" Rice of Royston, GA.; sisters: Marie Bellamy of Lavonia, GA., Linda Bagley, Teresa Harper and Merrie Mayo, of Royston, GA. Funeral Services for Mr. Jerrel Rice will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at three o'clock at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Bowman, GA. with Rev. Kevin Vaughn and Rev. Tommy Childress officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 -3 pm prior to the service. Burial will be in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Words of comfort and condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.coileandhallfd.com Coile and Hall Funeral Directors, 333 E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, GA, is in charge of arrangements. Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.