Carroll Rice, Jr.

Carroll Rice, Jr., age 71, of Erwin, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, while he was surrounded by his family. Carroll is a son of the late Pearl Edwards Rice, and he was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County.

Carroll began his career in the furniture business at Ball Brothers Furniture in downtown Erwin. He opened his own furniture store, Carroll’s Furniture, which he has owned and operated for over thirty-five years. Carroll enjoyed interacting with all his customers and he kept an old-fashioned ice box stocked with ice cold bottles of Coca-Cola to give each person visiting his store. Also, he kept a drawer filled with candy to hand out to his favorite visitors at the store, the children who came with their parents. Carroll had a very generous heart and he donated so many furniture items over the years to help with local fundraising raffle projects. He was also known to give away items to customers that did not have the means to purchase but he knew how badly they needed the item.

Carroll’s giving heart extended beyond his furniture store, he would purchase pizza’s and take to local nursing homes for the residents to enjoy. He found great joy in giving back to his community. Carroll was a faithful and active member of Trinity Freewill Baptist Church where he also served as Trustee. He sang in the choir and taught the Adult Sunday School Class for many years. He loved his church and his church family so much!

Carroll’s favorite gym was Bradshaw’s Gym in downtown Erwin where he was a member for over forty years. He liked to hit the gym early in the morning before his workday began so he was given his own key to the gym by the owner. Carroll was happy to open the gym up on the days he went to work out. Carroll was a UT Football fan. However, Carroll’s favorite hobby was going to Maui, Hawaii where he had visited four times and was planning a fifth trip there. He also went on several cruises and many beach trips over the years.

Carroll leaves behind to cherish his memory, his son, Joshua “Josh” Carroll Rice of Erwin; two sisters: Paulette Farnor and husband, Cadez of Bulls Gap, and Phyllis Whitson of Erwin; niece, Miriam Evans and husband, Allen of Bulls Gap; nephew, Shane Farnor of Yamhill, OR; great niece, Addison Evans; special friend and former wife, Lori Rice, her children, and her grandchildren; several other special friends also survive.

The Rice family will receive friends on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Trinity Freewill Baptist Church. Pastor Andy Patterson will officiate Carroll’s funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Laws, Bob Pate, Jason Bailey, David Penley, Kevin Ledford, Tommy Tate and Billy Evans.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Carroll’s beloved church: Trinity Freewill Baptist Church, 1221 North Main Avenue, Erwin, Tennessee 37650.    

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Rice family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Rice family. (423) 743-1380.

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