Paul Steven Rice, 61, of Whittemore Branch, passed away December 15, 2017. He was the son of the late Billy and Alma Huntsinger Rice. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Karen Carpenter and brothers, Raymond and Eddie Rice. Paul is survived by a sister, Mae Metcalf; brothers, Jimmy and Billy Rice, Bobby and Billy King and a longtime girlfriend and ex-wife, Kathy Rogers. A memorial service will be held 1:00pm Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service with Reverend Dean Metcalf officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.