Tom Rice

TOM RICE   Tupelo - Thomas Allen Rice, 89, died Friday, May 27, 2016, at Cedars at Traceway. He was born in Baldwyn on September 16, 1926, to Allen Judson and Gladys Estha Sartian Rice. Tom loved to learn and took many classes even after graduating with his associates degree. Tom married Dora Whitten June 30, 1967. He started his working career at the Office Supply Store before moving up to co-owner of Weatherall's Printing where he enjoyed meeting new people. He loved exercising, antique shopping and square dancing. He was a member of Belden Baptist Church and the Bill Yarbrough Sunday school class.   Visitation will be 1 until 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2016, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.   Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2016, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Jim Holcomb officiating and Rev. Gary Grey providing the music. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.   Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Dora Whitten Rice; sisters, Margaret Rice Gaither (Hubert "Buddy", Jr.) of Clifton, Texas and Mary Glenn Rice Leach (Jack H., Jr.) of Rives, Tennessee and a host of nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew.   Pallbearers will be Whitt Gillespie, Ricky Jackson, David Gaither, Frank Anderson, Jason Leach and Jamie Jetton.   Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Bill Yarbrough Sunday school class.   Memorials may be made to Belden Baptist Church building fund, 4121 McCullough Blvd, Belden, MS 38826.   Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .