Mr. Bruce Elliott Rice

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return.” The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21, ESV) On May 23, 1970, Bruce entered life as the last child born to Eddie and Rosa B. Perry-Rice in Oktibbeha County of Starkville, MS. His earthly life ended on April 22, 2025. He was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers: Eddie Rice, Jr. and Tommie J. Rice; two brothers-in-law: David English and Willie D. Nichols; and a sister-in-law, Jeannette Nichols-Rice. Growing up in Starkville, he attended Starkville Public schools. He graduated with the Class of 1989. While attending high school he learned the skill of carpentry under the teaching of the late Mr. John Moore, who spoke of his craftsmanship. After finishing high school, he worked as a carpenter with various contractors, which included Stuart Davis Construction and Parker & McClelland (Starkville, MS), and Chet Gregg (West Point, MS). Bruce loved fishing and sports. He was an avid fan of the Starkville High School Yellow Jackets, the Mississippi State University Bull-Dawgs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV) Bruce believed, declared, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In his early life, he attended Second Baptist Church (Starkville, MS). In his most recent adult life, he worshipped at Vibrant Church (Columbus, MS) and Riverside Chapel Baptist Church (West Point, MS) through his temporary stay at the Mission Men of West Point, MS. While there, he received many certificates for completing courses such as, Life’s Healing Choices for Christ-like Character, the Mastermind Study of John C. Maxwell’s book, High Road Leadership, Developing the Leader within You, Coping with Anger Management, and Certificate of Graduation from the Christian Men’s Job Corps. He was blessed with the opportunity to travel on many mission trips, providing services to others. He enjoyed various social gatherings, which included fellowship dinners in churches and homes, attending MSU games, and fishing. He loved his extended family within the Mission as well as his biological family. He often said “I Love You or Y’all” at the close of a conversation. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matt. 5:4 ESV) He leaves to cherish his memories a son, Bruce Alandro Rice of Heflin, AL; a daughter, Rosa- Briana Rice of Bremen, GA; four grandchildren: Kingston Crowder, Kiersten Rice, Kinsley Echols and Kelso Echols of Bremen, GA; Four sisters: Helen Rice-Nichols, Julia Rice-Gillespie, Hazel Rice-English all of Starkville, MS, Rosa Rice of Long Beach, CA; Two brothers: James (Ibia) Rice of Ackerman, MS, Elbert (Diann) Rice of Starkville, MS; Two special nieces: Dana (Bruce) Jefferson and Kayla Rice; Five special nephews: Jarvis Roberts, Reginald Nichols, Alex Rice, Elbert Rice, Jr. and Chad Rice, all of whom were like siblings; His surrogate families: close cousins from his late uncle & aunt (Sammie and Nylene Perry), Ms. Bertha Yarbrough and family; And, a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, especially the Mission Men. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 NI Visitation: May 2, 2025, from 1pm until 5pm at Hairston - Hairston Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Service: 2pm, May 3, 2025, at Springhill M.B. Church in Starkville, MS. Interment: Springhill M.B. Church Cemetery

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Mr. Bruce Elliott Rice

May 23, 1970 - April 22, 2025