Larry Rice

Larry W. Rice, 84, of Morganton, NC, died peacefully on September 12, 2025. He is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his wife, Linda. He was born May 19, 1941, in Campbellsville, Kentucky, to Nathan Lee Rice and Mary Belle Perkins. He moved to Illinois as a young man and resided there until he and his wife, Linda, moved to Morganton in 2006.

He leaves behind fond memories and a legacy of kindness. Larry’s love for classic cars shone through his years of attending car shows and sharing car stories. He and his wife enjoyed antiquing and spending weekends at estate sales in search of unique treasures, and he had recently picked up his hobby of showcasing his skills at the pool table again.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Kelly Tullock (Joseph); granddaughter, Leann Tullock; grandson, Lester Zimmerman; three step-daughters, Mona Edwards, Ruth Huff, and Charlene Hurley (Doug); two step-sons, Mike Jensen (Kathy) and Jerry DeForest (Tina); and numerous step-grandkids and great-grandkids.

Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39+ years, Linda; his parents; two sisters, Christine Carney (Junior) and Doris Jean Hadley (James); two stepsons, Timothy Runyon and Dale DeForest, Jr.; and one step-daughter, Sherry Horner.

A private graveside service occurred at El Bethel Baptist Church cemetery in Morganton, NC, with Pastor Justin Cunningham officiating. Both Larry and Linda were members of El Bethel Baptist Church, where they received abundant love and support from their church family throughout the years. Their gratitude for this caring community was profound.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to El Bethel Baptist Church, 1669 N Green St, Morganton, NC 28655.

Larry will be remembered for his warm spirit, generosity, and passion for life’s simple pleasures. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched, and we will always carry his memory in our hearts.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.