John Michael Rice

John Michael “Mike” Rice, 62, of Statesville went to his eternal home after a brief illness on September 6, 2024.

Mike was born in Ohio and grew up in Boone County, West Virginia. A graduate of Sherman High School, Mike attended California College and entered the workforce as an LPN. He retired from nursing after a 20 year career, tirelessly caring for the sick in his community. After retirement, Mike became a true jack of all trades, entertaining all sorts of interests from restoration of antique furniture to collecting various antique pieces of glassware.

In his late 50s, Mike felt there was still more that he could do for his community. At that time, he found a calling to help and became a funeral director. Mike took extreme pride in his work, feeling that every person within his care was family.

Mike felt that bringing joy to others was the most important thing that a person could do in their life. Every year, Mike channeled his inner Santa Claus, constructing a light display that is sure to spark the Christmas spirit in anyone who was able to witness the spectacle.

Mike is preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 30 years, Elizabeth. He is survived by his sons Staff Sergeant Caleb (Mandy) Rice of Fort Liberty, NC and Elijah (Kevin) Rice of Murrieta, CA. Also surviving are his mother Jo (Troy) Howerton of Bloomingrose, WV and his siblings Debbie, Jeff, Nancy, and Angie all of WV. Mike is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National MS Society or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Mike and his family are eternally grateful to the caring staff at Iredell Memorial Hospital and Gordon Hospice House.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Michael Rice, please visit our floral store.