Carl Thomas Rice, Jr., 78, of Portland, died Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Mr. Rice was a native of Ashley County and a lifelong resident of Portland. He worked as Parts Manager at the Portland Farm Equipment Company for over 40 years, an EMT for the Mainline Volunteer Ambulance Service, a Portland City Councilman and a member the Portland Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Rice loved his church and was a devoted member of the Portland Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was a Mason and a member of the Portland Masonic Lodge #499. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Peggy Cox Rice in 2016; his parents, Carl T. Rice Sr. and Emma Elton Rice and a sister, Judy Rice.
He is survived by his daughter, Christie Owens, and husband, William, of Metcalfe, Mississippi; his brother, Bill Rice and wife, Stacy, of Dallas, Texas; his aunt, Becky Williams of Crossett and six nieces and nephews, Mike Stanley and wife, Susan, Linda Rogers and husband, Jamey, Michael Borland and wife, Stephanie, Leslie Borland Douthitt, Vanessa Rice Holmes and Christopher Rice.
Funeral services are 11 a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Portland Baptist Church with Bro. David Sullivan and Jerry Selby officiating. Burial will be in the Portland Cemetery. Pallbearers are Ron Miller, Jimmie Sadler, Bob Young, George Rutledge, Buddy Lawrence and Emory Austin. Memorials may be made to the Portland Baptist Church, PO Box 86, Portland, AR 71663.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m., Thursday at the church.
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