Ellis Ray Rice was born on July 4, 1941 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the son of Paul and Mamie Rice. He ran his best race and completed his course, on Thurs-day, March 16, 2023.

Ellis was a student-athlete at Atkins High School where he was a member of the football team. During his time there, he played on the 1959 team that won a NC State Football Divisional Championship. He later graduated from Paisley High School, Class of 1961. Ellis' skills on the field enabled him to be offered a football scholarship to attend and play for Winston-Salem Teachers College (now Winston-Salem State University).

In an effort to assist his mother and provide for the family, Ellis declined the scholarship and accepted a job at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. After 34 years of dedicated service, he retired as a processing supervisor in 1995.

Ellis was baptized in June of 1976 at Castle Heights Church of Christ and continued his membership when it later became Carver Road Church of Christ. He also faithfully supported the North Patterson Avenue Church of Christ.

In addition to spending quality time with his family, he enjoyed playing golf and watching football. His motto, understood by family and friends was, "I laugh and joke, but I don't play."

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Hedy Tabor Rice; his parents; two sisters, Pauline Caldwell and Revia Rice McNebb; and brothers, Calvanor and Alvin Rice.

Those who remain to cherish his memory and honor his legacy include his devoted children: Trelya Rice (Derrick) Thompson and Tauric Lamar (Candice) Rice; loving grandchildren, Tauryn Rae Thompson, Deren Roosevelt Thompson, Roman Lamar Rice, Mason Ellis Rice, and Adrianna Raegan Lynn Rice; one sister, Rosa Rice; two brothers, Kenneth Raymond (Mary) Rice and David Rice; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 12:00 PM, Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Carver Road Church of Christ, 4399 Carver School Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service. Interment in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, North Carolina.

For a copy of funeral program click here