James Walter Rice

James Walter Rice (J. W.) entered this world on May 22, 1932 to the union of Cleo (Arnwine) and Virgil Rice. Cleo and Virgil worked at what is now the Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant during the early years where they were eventually laid off Relatives referred them to Ohio where they were able to find employment. As a young boy James (J. W,) grew up with very humble beginnings. His spiritual journey began at Mt. Cumberland Presbyterian Church Piney where he professed his faith in Christ. As a young boy, he was nurtured and reared by his dear and loving aunt, Lizzie Sherman, who everyone in the community affectionately called, "Aunt Lizzie." During his school years, he was a member of the Glee Club. As a young adult, J. W. sang baritone along with Sam Donaldson, S.D. Hurst, Armor King, and Kenneth Moore as The True Tone Gospel Singers on Saturday mornings at 915 on radio station WLAR in Athens. The group later went on to become The Heavenlv Nine singing at various churches and events in the area. The group later dissolved due to the members being drafted to serve in the Korean War Conflict. J. W. honorably served stateside in the U.S. Army from May 1953 - May 1955. On November 16, 1957, James wed his sweetheart Clara Mae Bacome. The two have shared 61 beautiful years of matrimony. To this union, two children were born, Lesa Annette Cain and Paul Timothy Rice. He worked faithfully to supports family at Bowaters Southern Paper Mill until his retirement in May 1995. J. W. enjoyed gardening. He had a green thumb when it came to growing fresh vegetables. J. W. departed this life at age 87, on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 1:42 a.m. at St Francis Hospital, Bartlett, TN He is preceded in death by his parents Cleo and Virgil Rice, his baby sister who died during childbirth, son-in-law Dennis Cain, brother-in-law Jimmy Bacome, and sister-in-law Lenora Williams. J.W. leaves behind to cherish his beautiful memory his beloved faithful wife, Clara Mae, one daughter Lesa Cain, one son Paul (Shaunnellia); five beautiful grandchildren: Cody Rice, Carla and Lauren Cain, and Breanna. and Shaylea Rice; devoted friend Roy Lynn Johnson, faithful cousin Armor King, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Because of his true love for the family pets two grand-pups C. J. and Jay; and one great grandpup Loki. The family will receive friends on Saturday October 26, 2019 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Lionel Moore officiating. Interment to follow in the Sweetwater Memorial Park with full military honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Foundation of TN, Alzheimer’s Association l Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

James Walter Rice

May 22, 1932 - October 19, 2019