Willie Edward Rice Sr.

Willie Edward Rice, Sr. 66 years of age, departed this life January 4, 2016 at 9:45 PM at home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born January 18, 1950 in Vance, Mississippi, the son of Jessie Rice and Jo Luella Jackson. Willie married Rosalie James August 25, 1989, to this union they had two daughters and two sons. He moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1988. He retired as a truck driver after many years of service.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; Jessie and Jo Luella Rice. Three brothers; Willie Lee, Floyd and Ezekiel Rice. Four sisters; Katie Mae Rice, Luella Pulliam, Estella Smith and Carry Ann Rice.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his wife; Rosalie Rice. Two daughters; Theresa Rice-Prather, Sonya L. Witherspoon. Two sons; Willie Edward (Crystal) Rice, II, Alger T. (Resona) James, Jr.. Three sisters; Jessie L. Todd, Cora (Willie) Hunter, Addie Fae Gaddie. Three brothers; Thomas (Willie) Rice, Jessie (Jessie) Rice, Jr., Robert (Cheryl) Rice. His grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Acknowledgement

Per His Wishes: Willie Edward Rice, Sr. did not want the traditional funeral services, he wanted to be remembered alive and therefore there will be no services. He made his peace with God. Willie Edward Rice, Sr. request that you tell your love ones you love them everyday.

His Journey Just Begun: Don’t think of him as gone away, life holds so many facets-this earth is only one. Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched…. For nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.