Elmer "Elmo" Rice Jr.

A true friend and beacon of life who departed from this world on January 8th, 2025 (waiting on Heather to change his clock) surrounded by his wife, Marietta, his granddaughter, Brooke, and his great-grandson, Kayden. Leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness Elmo walked through life with a gentle strength, touching the lives of all he encountered with unforgettable grace.

Leaving behind is wife of 58 years, Marietta Barker Rice and she wants him to know " Your Life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You are gone from our sights, but never from our hearts." He leaves behind his two daughters, Debra Belcher and husband, Kevin and Heather Rice. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Brooke Adkins and husband, Stephen, Kyle Belcher and wife, Hollie, Chandler Belcher, D.J. Hale, and Harlee Pinter; 3 great grandchildren, Abigail Sevigny, Gabriel Belcher; and a very special great-grandson, Kayden Belcher. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, JoAnne Rice and several nieces and nephews.

Elmo was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Elmer Rice, Sr. Along with his brothers, William "Bill" Rice, Larry Rice and wife, Tina, and a infant brother, Nelson Eddy Rice.

Elmo spent four years in the US Air Force and loved serving his country. He worked for FMC in South Charleston for 7 years and then moved to Beckley and worked for 29 years at Pittston Coal Company.

After retirement, he had a love for fishing, but an even greater love for gardening and making that his passion. No garden magazine could match his produce, especially his tomatoes.

His service to celebrate his life will be held 2:00PM Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley with Will Lawrence officiating. Following the services burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Pallbearers will be: Stephen Adkins, Kyle Belcher, Kayden Belcher, Shawn Burdette, D.J. Hale. and Larry Rice.

Friends may visit with the family from 1:00PM until time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting wwww.blueridgefuneralhomebeckley.com Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Memorial Gardens, and Crematorium is honored to be serving the Rice family,