Coy Franklin Rice

Asheville Coy Franklin Rice, 80, of 17 Eastway Street, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Golden Living Center. A Lifelong resident of Buncombe County he was the son of the late Melvin H. Rice and Winnie Roberts Rice. Mr. Rice was a 1945 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School, attended Cecils Business College and Asheville-Buncombe College. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. A long time member of New Bridge Baptist Church he had served as Chairman of Deacon Board, Treasurer, Moderator and Choir Member. Mr. Rice was former Mayor of the Town of Woodfin where he served on the Boards of the Fire Department, Community Center, Water Department, was a former member of the Woodfin Lions Club. He was a member of Vance Masonic Lodge #293 and former Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #49 in Weaverville. He also spent many years in the car business at Deal Buick, Matthews Motors and was owner of Quality Used Cars of Asheville. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Mary Earwood Rice of the home; daughter, Carla Rice West of Concord; son, Kevin D. Rice of Asheville; granddaughter, Lauren Avery West of Concord; sisters, Daphne Waddell of Asheville and Sonia Owen and husband, Jim of Arden; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM Sunday at New Bridge Baptist Church with the Revs Clark Henderson, Leroy Denton and C.W. Anthony officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Deacons of the church. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:15 PM Sunday at the church. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to Beth Anderson Family Center of New Bridge Baptist Church, 199 Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to all the Staff of Golden Living Center for their care of Coy and his family. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.