Louis Rice, Jr.

Louis Rice, Jr. 94, departed this life January 8, 2023 at Mission Hospital. He was born in Asheville, NC on September 12, 1928 to the late Louis Rice, Sr. and Esther Haynes Rice.

Louis was a graduate of Stephens-Lee High School, Class of 1948. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he moved to Philadelphia, PA and was employed with the United States Postal Service.

Louis returned to Asheville to care for his parents who were experiencing declining health. He assisted his sister Ruby, with the organization and operation of a candy store in the Southside area of Black and Walton Streets. Louis loved playing the piano and served as the church pianist for Holy Tabernacle and Macedonia Church of God In Christ. He was also a pianist for several gospel groups including The Sunbeams, Starlights and Yes Lord. Louis often sang duets with his sister Ruby for various church services and funerals. He was an active member of the Stephens-Lee Alunmi Association until declining health. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Kenneth Rice, Sr.; sisters, Betty Baxter, Lillian (Roberta) Jones, Emma (Missie) Hardy, Ruby R. Jones; brothers-in-law, Harold Jones, Henry Hardy; niece, Esther Hardy; nephews, Henry B. Hardy, Jr., Harold (Papoose) Jones, Darian Rice; great-nephew, Everett (Moose) Hardy.

Left to cherish his memory are nephews, Harvey Butler, Robert Hardy, Kenneth Rice, Jr., Michael Rice, Jonathan Rice; nieces, Mary Hardy, Lillian H. Butler, Betty (Yvette) White, Krista Hardy, Anne Rice, Tracey R. Smith; a host of great-nephews and nieces, great-great-nephews and nieces, great-great-great-nephews and nieces; other family members and friends.

A special thank you to his young caregivers, Aubree, Zion and Za'daya, who brought him great joy every day with their school stories and feeding him their snacks. 

Funeral service will be 2:00pm Saturday, January 14, 2023 in the chapel of Ray Funeral & Cremation Service. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Livestreaming of the service will be available on the website.

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