June 22, 2025, 84, Goldsboro —

Robert Lee Roy Rice, 84, of Mount Olive passed away June 2, 2025 after a short illness at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Pineview Cemetery in Seven Springs.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Mr. Rice was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 24, 1940 to the late Roy Robert and Charlotte Elma Mitchel Rice.  He was a veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his son, Chris Rice of Kansas; his two daughters, Julie Sigmund and husband, Joe of Mount Olive and Lisa Moeller and husband, Clay of Carrollton, Missouri; one sister, Eva Stout and husband, Al of Iowa; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren with one-on-the way and his special dog, “Gracie”.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his wife, Lauretta N. Rice and his brothers, Steve Rice and John Rice.

Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.