Richard Norris Rice passed away at his home in Mud Prairie February 16, 1913, of
pneumonia after an illness of nine days. He was the second son of Abner S. Rice, was
born near the present site of the Rice store in 1836 and grew to manhood in that
community. He professed Christ at the age of 35 years in the years of 1859 and 1860 he
attended Shurtleff College, taking a ministerial course until his country called him away.
He served four and a half years in the Civil War and was in twenty-three battles, sent to
Libby Prison, paroled and sent home. Then re-enlisted and served until the close of the
war. After his return home he settled on a farm near Mud Prairie, where he resided 45
years. Mr. Rice was united in marriage with Amanda Philbric in 1868, two children were
born to this union, Mrs. Nell Eates of Tamaroa and Mrs. Lucy Bowers of Nashville. He
leaves to mourn his loss a wife, two children, fifteen grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. T.A.
Holman and Mrs. Sabra Jones of Rice, and a brother, Rev. A. Rice of Worden, also a host
of friends.