William “Papa Bill” Joseph Rice, 63, of 166 Collinsville Road, Green Creek died at his home December 27, 2011.

He was the son of the late Major J. and Kathleen Pye Rice and husband of Kay Edwards Rice.

He was a truck driver for Tankstar and a Baptist.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons, Joseph Maddox (Rachelle) of Las Vegas,  John Maddox (Amy) of Charleston; a daughter, Rianne Wilkins (Chuck) of Inman, a brother, Gene Rice (Carolyn) of Spartanburg; two sisters, Dianne Smith (Bill) of Boiling Springs, Kathy Lee (his loving caregiver) of Columbus; three grandchildren, Camron Frost, Luke and Lily Maddox; nine nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Thursday Dec. 29, 2011 at Petty Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Petty Funeral Chapel conducted by Rev. Gary Curtis.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

The family is at the home.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory, Landrum, S.C.