History

Our Family Serving Your Family

History

Since 1937 we have served thousands of Western North Carolina families in their time of need, and we are honored by the confidence they have entrusted in us.

Since the founding of Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center in 1937 we recognize the many changes that have occurred over the years in our industry. We continually strive to offer the most up-to-date source of information to keep you informed.

The funeral home made its beginning on July 1, 1937 on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Our founders were J.B. Burgin Anders, C.J. "Curtis" Rice and the Rev. W.S. "Scott" Vehaun, all of whom provided the foundation, professionalism and reputation we are proud of today. When Mr. Curtis Rice and Mr. Burgin Anders retired, the funeral home continued to operate under the direction of the Rice Family and the leadership of James T. “J.T.” Rice, Sr. Under J.T.’s leadership, Anders-Rice moved to the current location here on Patton Avenue on September 4, 1967. Leadership was later passed on to James T. “Tommy” Rice, Jr. and continued until a transfer of ownership on September 1, 2022 to the Roper family. A tremendous time in the history of Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center following 85 years of the Rice family serving our community and now entrusting their family legacy to the Roper family. Today, Adam, Lesley, Fern, and Mabel “Mae” are proud to continue the tradition of caring for the families of Western North Carolina

We have continued our family owned tradition for more than 85 years by offering to our community and the families of Western North Carolina a complete personalized service in all areas of burial and cremation choices.

James T. "J.T." Rice, Sr.

J.T. Rice Sr.

In Memoriam, June 9, 1924 - January 26, 2010

J.T. was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County and was married September 12, 1948 to the former Doris Elaine Miller, and they had one son, James T. "Tommy" Rice, Jr.

A second generation Funeral Director, J.T. served as President and Treasurer for Anders-Rice Funeral Home and was a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with over 60 years experience.

His education included Woodfin Grammar School, Grace High School, Mars Hill College and he was a graduate of the first class of John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science.

J.T. was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army-Air Corps, stationed in Nuthamstead, England as a Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner on B-17's. He was also a licensed pilot.

He was an honorary member of the West Asheville Kiwanis Club and a former member of Biltmore Kiwanis Club, of which he served as President of both and was a former Lieutenant Governor of District 1 of Kiwanis of Western North Carolina.

Professionally, he was a former District Director and a member of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, member of the National Funeral Directors Association, and a member of the Flying Funeral Directors of America.

In our community, J.T. served on the Asheville Civil Service Board, Buncombe County Sheriff's Advisory Committee, past Chairman of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority, Mars Hill College Board of Advisors and Trustees, and charter President of the Western Carolina Pilots Association.

J.T. was a member of the Vance Masonic Lodge, member of the Oasis Shriners Temple, and a member of Newbridge Baptist Church.

His hobbies included his love of flying and boating on Lake Lure.

Obituary for J.T. Rice

Doris M. Rice

Doris Rice

In Memoriam, September 11, 1926 - July 30, 2020

Doris was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, and was married in 1948 to J.T. Rice. They have one son, James T. "Tommy" Rice, Jr.

Doris was a 1944 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School. She is the daughter of the late William Cassady "Cass" Miller and Bessie Covington Miller, formerly of Asheville.

She served as the Vice President of Anders-Rice Funeral Home and assisted in numerous activities over the many years.

Doris was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Western North Carolina Aeronautical Association. She served as a volunteer for many organizations, including The March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Cancer Society.

Her hobbies include her love for craft making, which she is well known for her Ribbon Roses, bowling, boating, and spending time with her family.

Obituary for Doris Rice

J.T. and Doris Rice Wedding Day - 1948

JT and Doris Rice Wedding