Eugene Rice, age 78, 501 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, passed away Friday, January 23, 2015, in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a son of the late Parley F. and Edith Pate Rice. Mr. Rice retired in 2004 from Nuclear Fuel Services after forty-five years of employment. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Erwin, Flag Pond Masonic Lodge, a former member of the Erwin Jaycees and a former member of the Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Maria Ellen Rice on January 16, 2011 and a sister, Linda Rice. Mr. Rice leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of fifty-six years, Pauline B. Rice; three sons, Michael Rice and wife, Gail of Erwin, Marvin Rice and wife, Belinda of St. Louis, MO and Alan Rice of Utah; two brothers, Robert Rice and wife, Martha of Erwin and Ivan Rice of Telford; two sisters, Mary Sue Mashburn and husband, Phillip of Flag Pond and Brenda Bennett and husband, Jerry of Erwin; three grandchildren, Hannah, Chloe and David Rice; several uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins also survive. Dad loved his family, these mountains and the fruits thereof: whether branch lettuce with cornbread in the Spring, blackberry or blueberry cobbler in the Summer and a fresh apple butter biscuit in the Fall; with us, Dad shared them all. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, from 12:30 P. M. to the hour of service at 2:00 P. M. from the First Baptist Church, Erwin. Reverend Macil Duncan and Dr. Ray Sorrells will officiate. Doug Clark will preside over Masonic Rites. Music will be provided by Sherrill Gibson. The deacons of First Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. Committal service will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 200 Love Street, Erwin, Tennessee 37650 or to one's own charity of choice . Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Rice family. (423) 743-1380.