Paul Vernon Rice, of Weaverville, NC, passed away on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his family—the people he loved most. He was 85 years old.

Born on September 5, 1939, in Asheville to the late Willard and Julie Rice, Paul was one of many siblings and was preceded in death by several beloved brothers and sisters. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Dee Rice; daughters, Angie Ford (Mack) and Missy Smart (Rusty); grandchildren, Coleman Smart, Ashley Ford (Houston), Cameron Smart, and Caylee Smart; and great-granddaughters, Delilah and Evie Norton. He is also survived by his siblings, David Rice (Robin), Gary Rice, and Sherry Wheeler, along with many nieces and nephews who adored him.

A proud 1957 graduate of North Buncombe High School, Paul remained actively involved in class reunions and cherished the friendships built during those early years. He excelled at math and received several awards; teachers often relied on his talent to help other students. Those skills would serve him well throughout his life. Though he wasn't able to attend college, he never let that hold him back. He worked relentlessly to better himself and provide for his family. A natural with numbers and a tireless worker, he began as an apprentice electrician and rose to become a licensed electrical and HVAC contractor. His career culminated with his retirement from CP&L, where he served as an Equipment Service Representative, known for his skill in troubleshooting and solving even the most complex issues.

Although he excelled in his career and his work ethic was unmatched, Paul's true passion was his love for people. Whether it was a family member, friend, or someone on a mission trip across the globe, Paul never hesitated to help. His time and talents were generously shared. He was bold in his love for Christ and unwavering in his desire to share that love with everyone he met. Over the years, he participated in countless mission trips, internationally, stateside, and locally using the skills he accumulated over his lifetime. Later in life, when travel became more difficult, Paul poured his energy into local missions through ABCCM, helping with everything from construction projects to the beloved Back to Bethlehem live nativity.

A faithful servant, Paul filled countless roles in church life, teaching, leading, building, and repairing anything that needed to be done, always with purpose and joy. In the last years of his life, he was a member of Mount Sheba Baptist Church, where he continued to serve until, he physically could no longer.

Paul's vibrant spirit and playful soul made him a joy to be around. A big kid at heart, he loved playing sports and competing with the younger guys, priding himself on being stronger, faster, and more agile. He would show off his muscles proudly and never backed down from a challenge. Even near the end of his life, he delighted in showing off his grip strength with a firm handshake, a smile, and a twinkle in his signature baby-blue eyes. Always a prankster, everyone was fair game for his jokes. He took great pride in throwing you as high and far as possible while pulling you on a tube behind the boat. His witty comments always made you laugh, and his energy was unmatched.

Paul was strong-willed, fiercely loyal, determined, and filled with integrity. His courage, persistence, and resourcefulness defined his life and inspired everyone around him. Above all, he lived a life of purpose, love, and service. He gave generously, loved deeply, and never stopped striving to be the best he could be.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind, the lessons, the laughter, and the love. He fought the good fight and finished well, and we will carry his memory with us always.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Men and Women of Action, an organization he dearly loved and to which he was deeply devoted for many years. Donations can be made by check to Calvary Worship Center, 101 Calvary Drive, Marshall, NC 28753 with Paul Rice MWOA in the memo line or www.cwccog.org/give.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service in Mars Hill. Family will receive friends beginning at 5:30 p.m. Burial will be held Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Pisgah View Memorial Park in Candler.

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