William Roland "Billy" Rice

Mr. William Roland “Billy” Rice, 81, of Clairmont Avenue, Elberton, husband of 46 years to the late Patrica Lee Johnson Rice, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Callie and John Rainey Hospice House in Anderson. 

A lifelong resident of Elbert County, Billy was born on January 27, 1942, the fifth of seven children of Ralph Carlis Rice, Sr. and Annie Ruth Brown Rice. He started work at the Elberton Coca Cola plant as a delivery man and this led to a lifelong career in trucking. He used the foundation that was set for him to found and operate W.R. Rice Trucking Company, LLC for many years. 

Billy was a member of Fortsonia Baptist Church. A hardworking man, he was never too busy to enjoy a game of golf or to spend the afternoon waiting for the fish to bite. Billy was an avid college football fan who especially enjoyed cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs. Besides spending time with his family, one of his favorite pastimes was watching western television shows with his beloved puppy in his lap. 

Surviving are his sons and their wives: Philip and Rhonda Rice of Bowman and Scott and Rhonda Gunter of Elberton. Papa also leaves behind his grandchildren: Cadey Rice, Cody Gunter, and Clint and Ande Gunter; and great-grandchildren: Townsend Gunter and Birdie Rae Gunter. 

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Ralph Rice, Jean Seymour, Joyce Chastain, Beth Anderson, Alice Dye, and Kenny Rice. 

The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends on Thursday, November 9, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Graveside services celebrating Billy’s life will be held on Friday, November 10, at 11:00a.m. in Elmhurst Cemetery with the Rev. Andrew Danals officiating. 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. William Roland “Billy” Rice.