Garland Franklin Rice, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, April 3, 2017. He was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the son of the late Hubert and Bertha Manor Rice. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by brothers, Herman, Robert, Ernest, David and Boyd Rice.

Mr. Rice is survived by his wife, Dorothy Mae Lamb Rice; Gail Rice Penley, who was like a daughter; a sister, Wanda Barnes; and a brother, Kenneth Rice.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Dean Metcalf and Larry Coates will officiate. Burial will follow in West Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

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