Earl was born and raised in Chattanooga and graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1965. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and was an avid Tennessee Vols fan. He served our country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. Earl was retired from Coca – Cola with after 30 years of service and was currently employed with Allied Security services at the Komatsu Plant. Earl was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank. Earl was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Betty Theresa “Terrye” Rice; parents, Bill and Damie Rice; brothers, Robert L. and Donald W. Rice.
Earl is survived by his daughter, Michelle Rice – Bowen and son-in-law, Thomas; granddaughter, Sofia Bowen; brother, W. Lynn Rice and wife Sue; longtime friend, Gwen Hendrix; many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, September 7, and 12 pm to 1 pm on Wednesday, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Earl’s life will follow at 1 pm on Wednesday, at the North Chapel with Reverend Dwight Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton County Memorial Park.
We respectfully request that "social distancing", wearing masks, and all CDC measures be followed at the funeral home and cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Earl’s name to the American Heart Association, 519 East 4th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403 or www.heart.org
