Bill Rice and Linda Rice, devoted husband and wife of 39 years, passed away and will be lovingly remembered in a joint service celebrating their lives, love, and legacy together. Their bond was strong, steady, and full of devotion, and it showed in the life they created together and the family they cherished so deeply.

Bill Ray Rice, 72, of Asheville, passed away January 15, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1953, to Jean Rice and the late Raymond Rice. Bill was a man with a big heart-kind, dependable, and always there when someone needed him. He retired as a heavy equipment mechanic in the coal mine industry. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Family meant everything to him. He had a special gift for loving people as his own, and he lived that every day. Above all else, Bill cherished his family and the life he built with Linda, the love of his life.

Linda Gahagan Rice, 69, of Asheville, passed away February 1, 2026. She was born November 27, 1956 to the late Adeline and Grady Junior Gahagen. Linda was a loving wife, mother, sister, and sister-in-law. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering care for her family defined who she was. Linda had a gentle strength and a deep love for her family that could be felt the moment you were with her. Her home and her heart were always open. Her bond with Bill was one of deep love, partnership, and devotion that spanned nearly four decades.

Together, Bill and Linda raised four children: Jerry Emory (deceased), Rodney Emory, Joani Rice (deceased) and Jessica Rice. In a previous marriage, Bill had two late children, Little Billy and John. Though they did not have any biological children together, he loved and raised them as his own, a testament to the depth of his character and heart. They were blessed with ten grandchildren: Daniel, Logan, Levi, Eva, Trevon, Madison, Johni, Luke, Parker, Leigha, and Brianna, each who brought them great joy and pride.

Bill is survived in addition to the children, by his sister Gail Smith and Sheila Siebert, and was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda and Elaine.

Linda is survived in addition to the children, by her siblings Jerry Gahagen, Terry Gahagen, and Shirley Gahagan, and was preceded in death by her brother Junior.

Bill and Linda are also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were forever changed by their love, generosity, and presence.

Though their loss leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, their love lives on in their children, their grandchildren, and in every memory shared. Bill and Linda Rice will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 6, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, Mars Hill. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.