Lawrence Edwin "Larry " Rice

Reverend Lawrence Edwin "Larry" Rice, 70, of Marvell, was welcomed home Sunday, April 27, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Larry was born July 22, 1943 to John Andrew and Roberta Magnolia Rice in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in Rose City and graduated from NLR High School in 1961. Upon entering military service in the United States Air Force, he received a Gideon Bible that was instrumental in leading him into a relationship with Christ and ultimately a devoted life of ministry. Larry is survived by his wife, Donna Jill Stephens, whom he met and married February 3, 1963 while stationed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The two enjoyed a loving, committed relationship for 51 years. He was a very loving Dad and great example to daughter, Lori Berry (Chris), son, Troy Rice (Annette), daughter, Jill Phillips (Jeb), and son, Jeff Rice. He was proudly called "Paw Paw" by grandchildren, Grant & Lillian Berry, Aaron & Spencer Mobbs, Parker Rice, and Baylen, Nathan, and Virginia Phillips. He loved spending time together and making them laugh. He was blessed with a final opportunity to speak to each of them concerning his relationship with the Lord and his desire that they follow after Him. His brother and best friend, Reverend Paul Rice, also survives him as the last remaining member of his immediate family. They shared a kindred spirit of ministry having supported and encouraged one another during the victories and challenges of pastoring and home goings of family members. He was loved by a host of in-laws, cousins, and nieces and nephews who remain in the Rice family as well as an entire family of Cajuns in the Stephens family with whom he loved to eat gumbo and celebrate the numerous victories of the Arkansas Razorbacks over the LSU Tigers. In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by brothers John Charles, Bobby, and Billy Wayne Rice, sister Dorothy Jean Skipper, and brother-in-law Paul Creel. Bro. Rice faithfully served for 50 years as a Baptist Missionary Association pastor and leader of the following churches: Perry's Chapel, England, Ark.; Berean, North Little Rock, Ark.; Emmanuel, Sikeston, Mo.; Kellogg Valley, North Little Rock, Ark.; Cathedral, Jonesboro, Ark.; and Westwood, Mobile, Ala. He was currently pastoring County Line Baptist Church in Marvell, Arkansas, where he had served for 23 years. Marvell quickly became his home, and Bro. Rice's ministry extended outside the walls of the church into the entire community. His loving church family survives him and is to be commended for the love and devotion shown to him and his family, especially during his days of failing health. He preached his final message on Easter Sunday in a service attended by all his children and grandchildren. He spoke briefly, but confidently, of the hope we have in Christ because of His death, resurrection, and promise of eternal life. Larry will be remembered for his blue eyes, bright smile, and beautiful singing voice. He reflected Christ with the unconditional love, forgiveness, and compassion he showed to family, friends, strangers, and all God's creatures, including his precious Peek-a-Poo Maggie. He left a legacy to many and was welcomed home with the words, "Well done good and faithful servant…" Matthew 25:23. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life and home going. Funeral services are planned for 3 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at Marvell Academy, Hwy 243, in Marvell, Ark. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m., Sunday, May 4, at Kellogg Valley Baptist Church, 9516 Bamboo Lane, in North Little Rock, Ark., with visitation to follow. He will be laid to rest Monday, May 5, 10 a.m., at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to County Line Baptist Church, Marvell, Ark. or The Gideons International. Arrangements are by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home, 350 Highway 49, Marvell, Ark. 870-829-2515.