Kenneth Rice

Kenneth L. Rice, age 88, of Erwin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 06, 2024, at his residence while he was surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and son of the late Ed L. Rice and Thelma Bailey Rice.

Kenneth retired from the Unicoi County School System after many years of service. He was a member of Higgins Chapel Baptist Church. Kenneth loved the outdoors, and he was an avid farmer. He enjoyed helping other people by mowing their yards, spraying their weeds with Round-up, and sitting with the sick.

Kenneth loved his family and treasured spending time with them. He will be dearly missed by all his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Luther Rice, and Layton Rice; four sisters: Maude Callahan, Nola Briggs, Pansy Hensley, and Hazel Riggs.

Kenneth’s survivors include his loving and devoted wife of twenty-six years, Charlotte Haynes Rice; two children: Randy Rice (Stephanie), and Pam Turner (Rick), all of Erwin; granddaughter, Brittany McInturff (Ryan), of Erwin; great grandson, Levi McInturff; sister, Lousie Bostic, of Unicoi; five step children: David Effler (Joan), of Erwin, Ann Jill Lovette (Timothy), of Jonesborough, Sandy Stelter, of Johnson City, Anthony Effler (Regina), of Erwin, and Nathaniel Effler, of Erwin; a host of step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Gentiva Hospice nurses for all the care given to Kenneth and the entire family.   

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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