DeWitt Rice, Jr

DeWitt T. Rice, Jr., 87, of Durham, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was born in Durham, NC at Watts Hospital on September 14, 1937, to the late DeWitt Rice, Sr. and Pansy Roberson Rice.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his loving wife, Edna Brock Rice.

Mr. Rice worked for many years as a Lab Tech for the NC Department of Transportation where he studied the impacts of weather on different types of road surfaces. He was always a dedicated employee.

DeWitt was a faithful and active member of Plainview Baptist Church for over 55 years. He always looked forward to the annual Fall Festival and served as an Usher for many years.

Mr. Rice was an avid softball player and loved to coach, this kept him very active until the last few months. He really enjoyed the friendships he made and just loved being around people. DeWitt loved being outdoors, especially with his dog Princess. 

DeWitt will be remembered as a devout Christian, wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be deeply missed by everyone blessed to have known him.

Mr. Rice is survived by his daughter, Deborah Taylor (Chris); son, Jeff Rice (Jo); grandchildren, Chelsea Weeks (BJ), Chad Taylor (Elisabeth) and Todd Rice (Ashley); great grandchildren, Shelby Weeks, Shaylee Weeks, Charli Taylor, Cohen Taylor and Oliver Rice and other loving family members and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Plainview Baptist Church, 5200 Cheek Rd., Durham, NC. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Durham, NC. Rev. Bob Kerr Will Officiate. Serving as Pallbearers will be Chad Taylor, Todd Rice, BJ Weeks, George Woods, David Pennell and AD Pleasants.

The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in DeWitt’s name to Plainview Baptist Church, 5200 Cheek Rd., Durham, NC 27704