Lee R. Rice, age 72 of Demorest, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018.
Born in Habersham County, Georgia on July 16, 1945, he was a son of the late John Evon & Emily Rose Souther Rice. Mr. Rice proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He retired from Ethicon and was a member of Stonepile Baptist Church. Mr. Rice enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, his big red tractor, spending time with his family, grandchildren, and his dogs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, J.W. Rice; sister, Lorraine Goss.
Surviving are his daughters and sons-in-law, Sonya & Ricky Tanner of Demorest, Melissa & Raymond Wimpy of Dahlonega, and Denise & Chris Rogers of Westminster, South Carolina; grandchildren, Craig, Lenay, Dakota, Charles, Tyler, Ethan, Dylan; great grandchildren, Mason & Riley; brother, Ray Rice of Cornelia; sister, Lucille Powell of Baldwin; several nieces & nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 4 pm, Friday, March 23, 2018 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with Rev. Marion Palmer, Rev. David Rogers, and Mr. Ricky Tanner officiating. Interment will follow in Stonepile Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Army, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15.
The family will receive friends from 3 pm to 8 pm, Thursday at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
Mcgahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.