1936-2023

Funeral services for Joe Rice, Jr., 86, of Wills Point, were held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home. Burial followed at Union Grove Cemetery.

Joe Martin Rice, Jr. was born in Temple, Texas on Aug. 26, 1936, to Joe Martin Rice, Sr. and Ethel Johnson Rice. Joe spent his early years in Moody, moving to Wills Point at the age of seven. He was a graduate of Wills Point High School in 1954.

Joe and Norma Jo Robbins knew of each other at WP High School and started dating in 1957. They were married Oct. 10, 1959. Judge Staten, County Judge, agreed to marry them for a ride to the Canton Courthouse and the price of $2.00.

Joe served in the United States Navy from 1957-1961 as Quartermaster Second Class. He received commendation from the USN, Department of Defense as an “Atomic Veteran” for his service during the atom bomb testing at Eniwetok Atule aboard the USS Hooper Island.

After leaving the Navy, he began working at Queen City Chevrolet in Wills Point in 1962 for his brother-in-law, Dewitt Bateman and sister, Sue Rice Bateman Tarver. He started as a shop man and progressed to mechanic, Parts Department, Sales Department and became the youngest dealer/owner in the State of Texas for Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. He retired from the dealership after 28 years in the business.

Joe enjoyed working in his yard, out in his shop, helping in the house, and sitting out in the sunshine for a nap. Whatever he did, he excelled. He loved sharing stories, talking with people, and helping anyone he could. He always made sure his family, friends and employees had plenty.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 64 years, Norma; his daughter, Carolyn Sue Rice Furrh and husband, Randy; son, Joe Martin Rice III, and wife, Yvette; eight grandchildren, Maranda Furrh; Kristy Jacks Petersen; Jered Furrh and wife, Brittany; Nicole Rice; Mallory Miller Malouf and husband, Bryan; Amanda Rice Quezada and husband, Ryan; Kyle Miller and wife Skylar, and Joe Martin Rice IV and wife, Tina. In addition to the eight grandchildren, Joe had 19 great-grandchildren.

Joe M. Rice, Jr. is preceded in death by his father, Joe M. Rice, Sr.; his mother, Ethel Johnson Rice; sister, Sue Rice Bateman Tarver; daughter, Joyce Ann Rice Miller, and great-granddaughter, Presley Jo Quezada.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Grove Cemetery: P.O. Box 722, Wills Point, TX 75169.