Join us as we celebrate this wonderful man who was a member of St. Francis parish for many years. On December 24, 2023, Dr. Joseph Rice, age 101, died peacefully at Good Samaritan Society.

Joe worked and raised his eight children in Aurora, Ill. and finally retired at age 70. Joe made friends easily and during retirement, his social calendar was busy. At the heart of his social life was his love of music. He learned to play the saxophone in elementary school and was a member of his high school marching band . Joe lived life the way he played music. In honor of Joe’s love of children and music and in honor of his participation in the Cumberland County Community Band, donations in his honor will be accepted for STARTS. STARTS is an initiative of the Cumberland County Community Band in support of “ARTS” education in the Cumberland County schools. Go to cccband.net for more information. Cash and checks will be accepted at the June 14th, Memorial Service. Make checks payable to CCCB with “STARTS Rice Donation” in the memo line. If you are unable to attend the service, checks can be mailed to CCCB, PO Box 1624, Crossville, TN 38558. Envelopes are available in the narthex.