JOSEPH TAAFFE RICE
On Thursday, December 12, Joe Rice died at Little River Nursing and Rehab after a brief battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. Joe was a loving and caring brother, uncle, teacher, farmer and friend. Joe was born in rural Little River County to Samuel Rice and Malissa Cannon Rice. He attended Foreman schools and graduated from Henderson State Teachers College in 1962 and served four years in the United States Air Force until 1966. He coached at Horatio High School for one year before he began his teaching career at Foreman schools where he remained until retirement. He taught Language Arts and Social Studies.
Joe resided on his family’s farm and took over management of the business when his father died in 1980. He proudly raised peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, grapes, and wildflowers the rest of his life. He always had one or more dogs that were loyal companions. He enjoyed visiting with “pickers” and informing others about farming. He shared much of his produce with friends, and in return received many home baked goods and preserves made with his harvest. The relationships he developed in his peach shed were long lasting and widespread.
Joe loved the outdoors, animals, and plants. He was an avid reader of non-fiction with history, medicine, and plants being his favorite subjects. Joe was passionate about sharing his blessings with others. Whether it was money, fruit, advice, land, or friendship, he was generous and thoughtful. He was entertaining and could easily generate smiles and laughs with his stories. He was particularly invested in his students, and many remained steadfast friends with him.
Joe is survived by siblings Mary Jane Pruitt of Texarkana, Sam Rice Jr. of Ashdown, Bill Rice (Dorothy) of Naples, Texas, and Margaret (Don) Turner of Arkadelphia; four nephews, three nieces, and great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ann Rice and his sister-in-law Lucy Rice.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Little River Nursing and Rehab where Joe was a regular visitor and then a resident. Many of the staff knew Joe and treated him as if he were their family member. The family would also like to thank Texarkana Hospice for their attentive care of Joe during his decline. Joe was treated with respect and love throughout his stay. There are too many close friends to mention, but the family is grateful for all who visited, called, brought treats, and sent cards to ensure Joe’s end of life was comfortable and happy.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Foreman with Sister Joyce Green officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Holy Cross Cemetery Memorial Fund, In care of Mr. John J. Stuart, P.O. Box 175, Foreman, AR 71836.