John William Rice

John William Rice, 65 of Jonesboro, formerly of Memphis, died Monday, May 21 at NEA Baptist Hospital. He was born in Covington, Kentucky and had lived in Jonesboro since 2011. He lived in Pensacola, Florida while serving in the Army and was stationed in Korea as a dog trainer for the Vietnam War.

He then moved to Memphis where he lived for over 30 years. He was retired from vending in which he was part owner in Quality Vending Service for 12 years. He worked for Coca Cola from 1974 to 1990, and for Serv-O-Matic from 1990 to 1998. He was member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church. John loved to play golf and go bowling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John William and Emma Jo Lawhorn Rice Sr.

Survived by his loving wife, Alma Thomas Rice of the home.
Daughters, Regina Stinson (Fordyce) of Bankston, Alabama, Angela Smith (Chris) of Cordova, Tennessee and Melissa Sanders (Craig) of Jackson, Tennessee.

Step daughters, Shawnya Kelley (Rick), Cassidy Thomas and Lindsay Bean (Josh) all of Jonesboro.

Sisters, Jackie Brady (Mickey) of Tallahassee, Florida, Janet Wilson (Larry) of Pensacola, Florida and Jill Thomasson (Jeff) of Cantonment, Florida.

Grandchildren, Sarah Sanders, Anna Sanders, Erika Smith, Megan Smith, Samuel William Smith, Toni Forbes, Christopher Forbes, Karrington Kelley, Deacon Thomas, London Bean, Benton Bean, Dalton Kelley and Destin Kelley.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. Thursday May 24, 2012 at Faith Free Will Baptist Church, with Rev. Kenneth Winningham and Rev. Paul Bean Sr. officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Weiner with Emerson Funeral Home in charge.

Active pallbearers will be Elton Wilcox, Jack Austil, Josh Bean, Paul Bean Jr., Joe Trotter and Brandon Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Smith, Craig Sanders, Mickey Brady, Larry Wilson and Jeff Thomasson.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Emerson Memorial Chapel.

Family requests that lasting memorials be made to the Faith Free Will Baptist Church 1008 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 or the Oak Grove Cemetery Association, 123 W 2nd St, Weiner, AR 72479.