Pender "Jack" Rice, 74, of Mars Hill, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County and the son of the late Rev. Champ Sr. and Sophie Norton Rice. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Roberts Rice; sister, Reva Allison; brothers, Donald Champ Jr. Rice; and stepdaughter, Karlene.

Jack is survived by his sisters, Clara Ball and Evelyn Meadows; brother, Jeter Rice; stepdaughters, Brenda, Joyce, and Charlene; several nieces and nephews; and 10 step grandchildren; 18 step great grandchildren; three step great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Rev. Steve Davis and Rev. Anson Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Grooms Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Ridge Funeral Service to assist the family with final expenses.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to RHA and Four Seasons Palliative Care for their loving care.

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