Billy Richard Rice, Sr.

Billy Richard Rice, Sr., age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 2, 2025 after an extended illness. Born in DuPont, GA to the late James Curtis and Edna Henderson Rice, he spent his entire life in this cherished community.

After graduating from Clinch County High School, Billy spent the next 55 years in the timber industry where he founded and operated Rice Timber Company. He also served as a wood broker. His contributions to his profession were recognized in 2008 when he received the prestigious Georgia “ Logger of the Year “ award and also the National Southeast Region “Logger of the Year” in 2009. Billy had a profound love for his hometown where he enjoyed farming and raising Brahma cattle. He was also known for his gardening skills and many hours spent cultivating his garden.

As a member of DuPont Baptist Church, Mr. Rice was deeply rooted in his faith and community. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends, leaving a lasting legacy of love and devotion.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Carolyn Westmoreland Rice; his sister, Mary Lee Rice Miller; and two brothers, James “Jimmy” Curtis Rice, Jr., and Jerry Henderson Rice.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Strickland (Mike) of Homerville, Donna Culbreth (Lex) of Valdosta, and Billy Rice, Jr. (Dawn) of Homerville. He was a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Brice Denmark, Brett Denmark (Paige), Taylor Denmark (Kyra) of Homerville; Mills Culbreth and Max Culbreth of Valdosta and Payton Rice and Channing Rice of Homerville. Additionally, he had the great joy of eight great- grandchildren: Tate, Brickson, Kayden, Dax, Anniston, Parker, Dane and Banks.

He is also survived by his brother, Eurith Rice (LaVell) of Newnan, Ga; four sisters: Martha McLaine of Homerville, Marie Thomas (George) of Valdosta, Susan King of Homerville, and Margaret “Teet” Walker (James) of Homerville; a sister-in-law Katie Rice of Dupont; and a nephew raised like a son, David Kelly of DuPont, along with numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A funeral service honoring Billy’s life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 2 PM at Cornerstone Baptist Church, with Rev. Austin Deloach officiating. Entombment will follow at North Cemetery in DuPont, where the family will receive friends afterward.

Memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, located at 1 East 33rd St., 4th Floor, New York, New York, 10016.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the personal caregivers for their dedicated support and to the staff of South Georgia Medical Center Health Villa in Lakeland, GA for their compassionate care.

Sympathy may be expressed online at www.roundtreefuneralhome.net.

Roundtree Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.