Frank Latimer Rice

Frank Latimer Rice, 90, of 210 NC Hwy. 32 North, Sunbury, NC, went to be with the Lord from his home, on Sunday, April 28, 2013, following a brief illness. Mr. Rice was born and lived his entire life in Gates County, and was the last surviving of 10 children born to the late Hugh and Annie Byrum Rice. A loving husband, he and his wife, the late Frances Collins Rice, were married for 63 years, and enjoyed many trips throughout the United States, and frequent jaunts to the Outer Banks. Mrs. Rice died in February, 2010, and for the last 15 years of her life, was lovingly cared for by her husband as she succumbed to Alzheimer's disease. In addition to his parents, siblings, and his wife, Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his son, Army Lt. Frank L. Rice, Jr. Mr. Rice graduated high school in 1940 and was his class valedictorian. Marrying young in life, he said he never lived alone, going straight from home to marriage. Farming and working a short time at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, he later purchased a small country store where he made his living. Active in his community, he served on the Gates County Volunteer Rescue Squad, was a faithful member of Beulah Baptist Church, and worked tirelessly in the Sunbury Ruritan Club. He was elected and served for many years on the Gates County Board of Commissioners, was appointed as a Magistrate in the NC Judicial System, and served as the Gates County Clerk of Superior Court, from which he retired. He dabbled in real estate for many years, was proud of his family, and will be missed by all. Surviving are his son, Charles H. Rice and wife June of Suffolk, VA; his daughter, Joy Bell of Richmond, VA; four grandchildren, Lara Bergen (Stewart), Daina Hill (Jon), Craig Rice (Ashley), and Erica Carsia; eight great-grandchildren, Parker, Sydney, Caroline, Charlotte, Rowan, Genevieve, Faith, and Hannah; a special nephew, Mike Collins; many other nieces and nephews; and caregivers, Rose Rogers and Gloria Knight. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in Beulah Baptist Church by the Rev. Tom Hall. Burial will follow in Damascus Christian Church Cemetery. Friends may join the family Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to any chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.