Mr. Joe Arnold Rice entered into rest on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Joe was born on March 19, 1950, in Perry, Georgia to the late Peter and Mary Frances Rice. He attended Houston County High School and, following graduation on May 31, 1968, enlisted in the United States Army, with whom he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his military service, Joe continued his education at Fort Valley State University, graduating on June 5, 1977. He went on to become a lifetime member with the college.

Later that year, he would marry the love of his life, Betty Jo Jendrick Rice, on December 31, 1977. The two went on to spend nearly five decades together, living lives of devotion, love, and the faithful raising of their family.

Joe led a storied career in the tobacco industry, spending time with R.J. Reynolds and Brown and Williamson, eventually becoming a Senior Primary Technician. He was also a proud member of the Davis Chapel Church Inc., where his long tenure as a deacon and choir member had an enduring spiritual impact on his church family.

In his free time, Joe enjoyed driving his car, tending to his yard, playing on the computer, and a good football game. He was also an avid dancer and always enjoyed a good tune. Joe always had a word of wisdom to share, and he took a lot of pride in looking good while doing it.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded by his siblings, Mary Lester (Eugene), Florine Lee (Oscar), Mary Richardson, John Rice (Rosa), and James Edwards Rice.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Jo Kendrick Rice; his children, Adrian Nicholas Rice, Shanita Thompson, and Jushondra Rice; his grandchildren, Phillip Thompson, Jr. (Jalisa), Tykeria Thompson Cowart (Christopher), Adrianna Rice, Manasseh Thompson, and Matrix Thompson; and his siblings, Bernice Askew and Linda Watkins (Charles Lee); along with a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place in the Chapel of McCullough Funeral Home on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.. Joe will then be laid to rest on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Andersonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that memorials may be given to Happy Hour in Joe’s honor.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.