Reverend Ernest Calvin Rice Sr., 72, of 111 Simpson Street, Laurens, SC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24 at Prisma Hospital in Greenville, SC. Born on November 6, 1951, in Laurens, SC, he was the beloved son of the late Deacon Oscar Rice and Rosa B. Rice.

Rev. Rice graduated from Sanders High School, Class of 1970, in Laurens and went on to dedicate his life to ministry and service to his community. He served as the esteemed pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church #1 for 12 years, where his leadership and spiritual guidance touched many lives. A proud member of Duncan Creek Baptist Church, Rev. Rice also played a key role in various organizations, including the Tumblin Shoals Baptist Association, where he was an Executive Board Member. He was also a Past Master of Union Lodge #1 and a member of the Ministerial Alliance of Laurens. His commitment to his community extended further as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 52 as Chaplin.

Rev. Rice was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Bertha B. Rice, for 47 years. Together, they built a beautiful family who will continue to honor his legacy. He leaves behind his devoted children: Kim (Anthony) Chalmers of Greenwood, SC, Cassandra P. Rice of Laurens, SC, and Rev. Ernest (Sharnice) Rice Jr. of Waterloo, SC.

He is also survived by his siblings, Shirley (Dean) Redmond of Greenville, SC, Jannie Rice of Laurens, SC, James O. Rice of Laurens, SC, and Bobby (Johnnie) Rice of Laurens, SC; a special aunt, Elizabeth Rice; a sister-in-law, Mattie DeBramaletta of Columbia, SC; brothers-in-law, Robert Lee McGowan of Laurens, SC, and George E. Bowers of Clinton, SC. He also leaves behind his six cherished grandchildren, Denzell Latimore, Kaleb Chalmers, Tyquivyus Rice, Saaferion Rice, Mykayla Neely, and DeaunteHill; five great-grandchildren, and his loyal canine companion, Ivy.

In addition to his parents, Rev. Rice was preceded in death by three sisters: Minnie Lee Rice, Dorothy McGowan, and Rosa Mae McGowan, two brothers, Henry Lee Rice, and John O. Rice.

Rev. Ernest Calvin Rice Sr. will be remembered as a man of great faith, compassion, and leadership. His dedication to his family, church, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at the family residence: 111 Simpson Street, Laurens SC.

Floyd Family Funeral Home will be responsible for all arrangements. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 2nd beginning at 11am until 4pm. The funeral service is Thursday, October 3rd at 1 pm at the Floyd Family Funeral Home located in Laurens SC beginning at 1pm, with interment to follow at Duncan Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Ernest Rice Jr. is the officiating pastor.