Jimmy Wade Rice

Jimmy Wade Rice, 81, of Crossett died Friday, October 23, 2015, at Ashley County Medical Center.  He was born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, on July 11, 1934, to his parents, Floyd Wade and Hattie Lee Carter Rice. 

He graduated from Fountain Hill High School in 1952 and Arkansas A & M (UAM) in Monticello where he earned a BA in Business in 1958.  Right before his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and spent 18 months as a peacekeeper in Korea. After returning home, he also served in the National Guard for several years.  After writing every day to his college sweetheart, he returned home and married Margaret Ellen Wooley of Pine Bluff on November 22, 1958. 

He played basketball in high school and enjoyed being a basketball referee for over 34 years for high schools in south Arkansas.  He was retired from Georgia-Pacific after 37 years and finished his career as a shipping/finishing superintendent.

He was a deacon at and member of First Baptist Church, Crossett, since 1985, and an avid hunter.  He started hunting with his dad and grandpa at an early age.  He enjoyed his walker hound and loved going to field trials where he won several trophies.  His favorite pastimes were visiting with his children and grandchildren, talking with his brothers, and listening to his dogs run at field trials.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters-in-law, Sandie Rice of Crossett, and Jane Wooley of Pine Bluff.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Ellen Wooley Rice.  The couple have three daughters, Sherry (Lee Allen) Harris of Crossett, Glenda (Gil) Kirkpatrick of Magnolia, and Suzanne (Robert) Butler of Hot Springs; five grandchildren, Ben McCain of Fayetteville, Colton Harris of Baytown, Texas, Brea McCain of Blytheville, and Anna Claire and John Thomas Butler of Hot Springs; three brothers, Dale (Donna) Rice, Ronald Rice, Billy (Nikki) Rice; one sister, Kay (James) Robinson, all of Crossett; brother-in-law, Floyd Wooley of Pine Bluff, and sister-in-law, Mary Wooley (Cecil) Toon, of New Braunfels, Texas. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2015, at Medders Funeral Home in North Crossett, from 4 to 6 p.m.  Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Monday, October 26 at First Baptist Church, Crossett.  Interment following in Carter Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.  Bro. Jamie Staley officiating. 

Active pallbearers are Don Hartley, Joe Harper, Ken Craven, Stephen Bolin, Phil Gilmore, Bill Phillips, Bill Fuller, and Claude Spainhour.  Honorary pallbearers are members of the Phil Gilmore Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital or the Guatemala Home For Children See details below.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jimmy Wade Rice, please visit our floral store.