Obituary of Edgar Dock Rice

Edgar D. Rice was born November 9, 1932 in Tazewell, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Arthur and Pearlie (Ellison) Rice. He married Leoria Lambert on October 9, 1950 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The couple moved to Monroe, Michigan in 1951 to find work. Edgar took employment with the Ford Motor Company at their Monroe Plant in May of 1953. He retired after thirty years of faithful service at the age of 50 in May of 1983. Edgar received his spiritual nourishment from Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman; enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking family trips. Edgar was blessed with a green thumb, and he found some of his greatest joy from seeing the success of his vegetable garden. Edgar D. Rice, age 84, of Monroe passed away at home on Monday, January 23, 2017. He had been under the care of ProMedica Hospice. In addition to his parents, Edgar was preceded in death by his loving wife Leoria (Lambert) Rice on September 27, 2014; a son: Eddie Carson; one grandson: Eddie Carson Rice; four brothers: Hastel Rice, Cecil Rice, Boyd Rice, and Williard Rice; sister: Hazel Rice; and one son in law; Jerry Lambert. To cherish his memory, Edgar leaves five beloved children: Kathleen Rice-Lambert of New Tazwell, Tennessee, Anita (Bill) Kibert of Sneedville, Tennessee, Edwin (Karen) Rice of Monroe, Donna (Bill) Omler of Monroe, and Tommy (Becky) Rice of Monroe; one sister: Shirley Lambert; one brother: Luther Rice; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s with Pastor BJ McDaniel of Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com.