George "Yogi" Rice

George "Yogi" Rice, age 71 of Crab Orchard, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Bower's Hospice House. Born December 12, 1953, in Welch, WV he was son the of the late George and Eva DeHart Rice.

A graduate of Oceana High School, George earned his bachelor's degree in science and mathematics from WV Tech and his master's degree in safety from Marshall University.

As a longtime employee of the coal industry, he worked a total of 35 years beginning with Eastern Associated, which transitioned to Peabody and then later became Patriot Coal.

George's greatest pastimes were hunting, fishing and being a Papaw and spoiling his grandkids. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Deborah Rice.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 44 years, Sharon Fink Rice, son George C. Rice and his wife Brittany of Mabscott, daughter Elizabeth Cooper and husband Brian of Ghent, grandchildren Parker and Alyvia Rice, Nevaeh, Kensley and Bralynn Cooper, Rhett and Kylie Ferrell, his brother Dwight Rice and his wife Sara of Kopperston, his mother-in-law Norma McDowell of Charleston, and his best buddy Braxton McKinney of Coal City. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A gathering of family and friends for George will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Blue Ridge Funeral Home & Crematorium, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM with Pastor Ernie Watkins officiating.

George will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia.