Horace Rice Jr. "Junior", 85, of Mars Hill NC passed away peacefully on 07 Jan. 2024. Jr was the son of the late Horace Grady and Olivia "Ollie" Buckner Rice, both of Mars Hill. He was preceded in death by Verna Mae Wilde Rice, his wife of 60 years.

Surviving is his daughter, Gail R. Grindstaff (Johnny) of Weaverville and granddaughter Savanna C. Grindstaff of Mars Hill, sister Ruby Rice (Charles Raymond) of Weaverville, sister Reba Wilde (Lester) of Weaverville and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jr. was a 1957 graduate of Mars Hill High School and attended Blanton's' College of Business. A lifelong resident of Madison Co. he worked for Hayes and Hobson in Asheville and retired from Mars Hill College where he provided maintenance services for the vehicle fleet.

Jr. enjoyed fishing and had several trophy size bass mounted. For most of his life he farmed along with his dad and family. Spending time on a tractor gave him great pleasure.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30pm Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Locust Grove Baptist Church, of which he was a member. Reverends Dalton Ramsey and Harry Culbertson will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at 2:30pm Thursday at the church.

The family would like to express thanks to the staff of the North Carolina Baptist Home for their compassion and care.

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