Joseph Allen Rice

Joseph Allen Rice, 87, died peacefully and went home to be with his Lord on April 23rd, 2015. Born to Leroy and Lydia Rice, Joe was an adventurous boy who grew into a well-respected and faithful man. A long time dairy farmer, he was a fixture in the community and loved to sit and tell stories with his many friends and family members. His life led him to serve farmers in later years as an insurance representative for BMA. After retirement, Joe followed his love of history by restoring and operating a family log cabin bed and breakfast and serving as a founding director of the Mebane Historic Society for many years. He was a peaceful, genuine soul and the heart of his family. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Avis Kimrey Rice of the home,daughters, Martha Barber and husband Howard, Pat Dixon and husband Thomas; grandchildren, Jessi Champion and husband Vincent, Ashley Riley and husband Michael, Kelsey Casey and husband Matt, Bryce Barber, Tyler Dixon, and Joseph Dixon; and great grandchildren, Bella Champion, Noel Champion, Chase Champion, and Camden Casey . He was preceded in death by his brothers James Rice, Coy Rice, and Melvin Rice and by his sisters Pearl Hodge, Margaret Rice, Lottie Huey, and Dollie Briggs. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00pm at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane on Saturday, April 25th. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 3:00pm at Mebane Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at Lebanon UMC in Mebane. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mebane Presbyterian Youth Group at 402 S. Fifth St. Mebane, NC 27302 or to Northside Presbyterian Church at 1805 Vaughn Rd Burlington NC 27217 where he served as an elder for many years. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net