James William "Bill" Rice

Mr. James William "Bill" Rice, age 82, of Dawsonville, GA (Lumpkin County) died Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at his home.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Lumpkin County, and drove a school bus for 23 years for the Lumpkin County School System. Married to his wife, Evelyn, for 62 years, he was a hard working husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of The Fountain Church of God of Prophecy in Dahlonega, GA.

The son of the late James Sanders Rice and Velma Robinson Rice, Bill was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lona Gayle Martin; brothers, Robert, Frank, Johnny, and Tommy Rice; sister, Ruby Bolton; and infant twin sisters.

Mr. Rice is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn Lemley Rice; son, Kevin James Rice; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jim Smith; son-in-law, Shannon Martin all of Dahlonega, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Benny Joe and Carolyn Rice, Herman and Vondell Rice, Billy and Theresa Rice; sister, Gracie Lou Walls; sister and brother-in-law, Annie Sue and Jimmy Chester; and sister-in-law, Betty Rice, all of Dawsonville, GA. Two grandchildren, Michael Trump and Zachary Johns, and a number of other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Bill are scheduled for 2 PM Saturday, October 5, 2013 at The Fountain Church of God of Prophecy in Dahlonega, GA.

Rev. Bo Robinson and Rev. Edwin Puckett will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Lumpkin County.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega from 5 PM until 9 PM on Thursday, October 3, all day Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5 until time of service.

Online condolences may be made at www.banisterfuneralhome.net.
Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega, GA is in charge of the arrangements.