Michael R. Rice, 65, of Barnardsville, passed away Wednesday, April 12th, 2017. The son of Oliver “Boots” and Ossie Williams Rice, Michael was a lifelong resident of Big Ivy and was often found spending time with his friends at the local businesses.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Debbie Norton; brothers, William “Bill”, Lawrence “Rooter”, MacArthur, and sisters, Dorothy, Ruth, and Betty.
Michael is survived by his grandchildren, Anna and Cole Norton; step-son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Rachel Norton, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, April 17, 2017 in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. No service to be held. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, at the Rice Family Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org