John L. Rice

Age 61, of East Sparta, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014, in Mercy Medical Center.  He was born in Canton, a son of the late Earnest and Alberta (Tuttle) Rice, and had resided in East Sparta 16 years.  John was a 1971 graduate of Canton South High School.  He was the Clerk for the Village of East Sparta.  John served in the U. S. Army.  Survived by his wife, Carole J. (Hamilton) Rice, with whom he celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on March 11, 2014; one son, John L. Rice, Jr., of East Sparta; and three sisters, Kathy Shepherd, of Maricopa, AZ, Peggy Rice, of Wichita Falls, TX, and Sam Rice, of Shelby, NC.  Services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with Pastor Miguel Acosta officiating.  Interment in East Sparta Cemetery.  Friends may call Monday 6-8 p.m. Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425