James Leroy Rice

Smithville, TN resident and White County, TN native James Leroy Rice, age 82, was born October 16, 1938 and died March 21, 2021 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN following a brief illness. A retired machine operator from A.O. Smith and a member of Quebeck Baptist Church, he was the son of the late Roy Ray and Willie Mattie Winnett Rice. He was married to Barbara Matthews Rice who preceded him in death on May 30, 2014. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Juanita Christian, Fay Lytle, and Sue Jernigan and brother, Charles Rice. Mr. Rice is survived by three children and spouses, Randy and Glenda Rice, Kim and Bill Spicer, and Tracy Rice, all of McMinnville, TN; four grandchildren and spouses, Dusty and Chelsey Rice, Taylor and Steven Seiderer, and Jessica Spicer, all of McMinnville, TN, and Shelby Rice of Smithville, TN; four great-grandchildren: River Rice, Colton and Connor Seiderer, and Carmen Spicer; two brothers, William Rice of Van Buren County, TN and Harold Rice of White County, TN. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in High’s Chapel with David Bratcher officiating. Burial will follow at Preston Heights Cemetery in White County, TN. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at High’s. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.