James Carol "Egghead" Rice

James Carol "Egghead" Rice, 72, of Stanford, departed this earth for his heavenly home on April 30, 2016. He was born on February 16, 1944, to James Everett and Ruby (Reeves) Rice in Stanford.

Carol was married to Barbara Woodson on July 8, 1966, and they made their home and raised their family in Stanford. He was a retired farmer, a devout Christian with a strong faith in his God, and had a great love for his Stanford Baptist Church family. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard. Carol was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a friend to all he met. He loved to talk and never met a stranger or passed on an opportunity to tell anyone that would listen about his grandchildren. He was always searching for the next ballgame to attend, the next fishing or hunting trip to enjoy, or the next opportunity to swap a good story.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruby Rice; sister, Carolyn (Rice) Smith; Uncle Lonnie (Hardhead) Reeves; Aunt Geneva Penny; Aunt Ruth Gatlin Pillow; and Uncle Delbert Rice.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara Rice of the home; son and daughter-in-law, James Stacey "Ralph" and Seasons Rice; daughter and son-in-law, Jaime and Stacy Edrington; grandchildren, Dylan Edrington, James Blaine Rice, Blayre Rice, Abbey Edrington, and Jacey Edrington; brother, Danny Rice (Carey); sister, Beth Stricker (Ray), brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Beverly Vines, all of Stanford; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many, many more friends.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral is Wednesday at 10 am at Heath Colonial Chapel with Revs. Marion Gramling, Heath Vines, and Adam Bruton officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Pallbearers are Austin Miller, Bufford Newberry, Conrad Newberry, Chris Faulkner, Jeff Rawls, Shane Henson, Jon Clark, Chris Grimes, and Jeffrey Grimes. Honorary pallbearers are Zayne Stricker, Ray Stricker, Bridger Vines, Steven Vines, Allen Russom, Logan Reddick, Luke Reddick, Glen Newberry, James Vaughn, Alvin Miller, Blake Clayton, Terry Forehand, Hayden Stricker, Nick Fox, and Gauge Fox. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Stanford Baptist Church.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."