ALFONSO—George “Emory” Rice of Alfonso passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025, just a few days before his 89th birthday. He was lovingly surrounded by his family as he went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Emory was born on September 14, 1936, to John Lenton and Essie Davenport Rice and was raised in Litwalton. He graduated from Lively High School and began his lifelong profession of building, remodeling and renovating homes throughout our local communities. Emory was especially known for his detailed trim work and his metal roofing skills. He remained active in building projects until his very recent illness.
Emory was a life member of the Upper Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chaplain for a number of years. He was a lifelong member of Lebanon Baptist Church, having attended for the first time as an infant. Through the years, he served on many committees, taught Sunday school and led Baptist men’s groups. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was a longtime trustee of the church, and he served in that role along with being chairman of the board of deacons for many years until his passing.
He met the love of his life, Margaret Elizabeth Webb from Lyells, while in high school, and they were married in 1955. This December they would have celebrated 70 wonderful years together.
Emory was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Alvin Rice.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Billy Lewis and Emily Sue and Wayne Jefferson; grandsons, William Jeremy Lewis and Joshua Emory Lewis; granddaughter, Brittany Jefferson Armentrout and her husband, Jay; three great-grandchildren, Landry, Palmer and Tate Armentrout; and three stepgrandchildren and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.
He was affectionately known as “Pop Rice” to so many throughout the county and everyone loved his smile and his handshakes. His faith and his family meant the world to Pop and we are grateful for the lives he touched and the influences he had on us and in our church and community.
We would like to extend our grateful appreciation to the staff of Select Specialty Hospital for their excellent care and support for the last several months.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 4, at Lebanon Baptist Church in Alfonso, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lebanon Baptist Church, PO Box 344 Lively, VA 22507.
