Robert W. Rice

Robert Woodard "Bob" Rice, 81, of 4 Looking Glass Lane, Asheville, died Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at the VA Medical Center. Mr. Rice was born in Buncombe County and was a son of the late John Thomas and Ann Elizabeth Smith Rice, and was also preceded in death by a grandson, Baron Rhew. He was a veteran of the Army, Navy and Air Force, having served in the Korean War, and retired in 1990 as an agent with United American Insurance Company. He was a member of East Asheville United Methodist Church. Mr. Rice is survived by his wife, Jacqueline B Ashton Rice; one son, Robert Vance "Robin" Rice of Asheville; three step-sons, Joe P. Rhew and his wife, Kay, of Asheville, David Rhew of Etowah, and Derrick Barnes and his wife, Jennifer, of Fletcher; three step-daughters, Pam Sifford and her husband, Clifton, of Waxhaw, Kim Carlson and her husband, Mark, of Asheville, and Tammy Rackley and her husband, Richard, of Statesville; one sister, Jo Ann McFalls and her husband, Don, of Jacksonville, FL; four brothers, Charles Edward Rice and his wife, Jo Ann, of Sacramento, CA, John Rondle Rice and his wife, Marjorie, of San Diego, CA, James H. Rice (and his late wife, Josie) of Asheville, and Ralph David Rice of Pacific Beach, CA; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday at East Asheville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Douglas O. Benton, Jr. officiating. Interment with military honors by Asheville High School Marine JROTC will be at Sky View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to East Asheville United Methodist Church, 48 Browndale Road, Asheville, NC 28805.