Jesse Lee Rice

Jesse Lee Rice was born May 16, 1931 in Anderson, SC to the late Whitner and Geneva Rice.  He is survived by his four children Jeffery (Diane) Rice, Janet (Danny) Martin, Keith (Joyce) Rice, and Audrey Paul; twelve grandchildren: Jefferey Leon Rice, Micheal Rice, Jacqueline (Donny) Kerns, Tunya (Taven) Tuff, Keith (Kelly) Martin, Kahlila Martin, Andrew (Lisa) Martin, Jesse Martin, and Jessica (Victor) Ikenna ODor, Lakeitha Rice, Brandon (Ebony) Paul, Shayla Paul; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; five siblings: Bobby (Francis) Rice, Cora Rice Winbush, Charlie (Minnie) Rice, Elizabeth Rice Scott, and John (Barbara) Rice; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lela Anne (Crosby) Rice; four brothers: Carter Rice, Theodore Rice Jr., D.S. Rice, and Donald Rice; and five sisters: Mable Rice Wright, Raychal Rice Wardlaw, Gladys Rice Scott, Thelma Rice Williams, and Barbara Rice Hall.

Jesse was a beloved husband, father, and friend. He displayed a strong sense of family responsibility at an early age. He sacrificed his education to help his father work and then purchase the family farm. On October 10, 1951, Jesse married the love of his life Lela Anne Crosby. Not long after their marriage began, Jesse served two years in the Korean War. His memories and experience there stayed with him throughout his life. Jesse was a good provider and father. He had an array of jobs. His last job, he worked for 25 years as a forklift driver at BASF and then retired. He enjoyed hunting and gardening. His beautiful flower beds were proof of his green thumb.

Lela Anne found the truth and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 1960’s.  Because of her good example and humble spirit, Jesse soon joined her and changed his life for the better. He was baptized August 4, 1964. Jesse served as an Elder in the congregation for decades and aided many in the truth with his unique teaching skills. Jesse had a passion for God’s word and supported his wife as much as possible in the ministry. He had a personality and sense of humor everyone loved. He used his past experiences in life to reach people and help teach them the truth. Many times, he used his own life as a lesson to show that God’s word can change anyone for the better. Jesse loved a good joke or a hilarious story. You couldn’t help but smile or laugh in his presence. He was also good with a dollar. He loved to pinch a penny especially if there was a 2 for 1 at Burger King. He could also be satisfied with a good hot dog or slice of pecan pie.

Jesse died at home on Thursday, June 20, 2024. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Airline Road.  The interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery.  Public viewing Friday from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is at the home.

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