Earl J. Rice

Earl J. Rice, age 80, Highlandville, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2014. He was born April 2, 1934, in Ozark, Missouri, the son of Henry and Lena (Essick) Rice. On June 17, 1980 he and Georgia Hall were united in marriage. Earl honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War . He worked at Kraft Foods for over 10 years after leaving Kraft Foods Earl spent many years working as an over the road truck driver. He was a faithful member of Ozark Full Gospel Church. Earl was a loving Husband, Father and Brother. He enjoyed watching hummingbirds visit one of his numerous hummingbird feeders. He was preceded in death by: his parents, two brothers; James O. Rice and Robert L. Rice, and one sister, Imogene Reynolds. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Georgia Rice, Highlandville, Missouri; three children, Cindy Taylor, California, Johnny Rice, Springfield, Missouri, Edie Rice, Springfield, Missouri and stepson, Rick Kessinger, Highlandville, Missouri and many nieces, nephews and friends. A graveside service will be at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, July 3, 2014, in Highlandville Cemetery, Highlandville, Missouri with Reverend Jim Campbell officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Thursday in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri.