Obituary of Zane Grey Rice ~ 2007

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: New Bern Sun Journal Apr 2 2007

ALLIANCE - Zane Grey Rice, 80, died Sunday, April 1, 2007, at his home.  
Mr. Rice was a lifelong resident of Alliance, except when he served in the 
military at Fort Campbell, Ky., in the 1950s. After he served in the armed 
forces, he returned to Pamlico County and continued his work in farming, 
as he had been raised to do. He later worked and retired from NADEP at 
Cherry Point as a sheet metal mechanic.  
He was locally known as the “Collard and Okra Man.” He was also known for 
loving to visit Hardees for breakfast and seeing his special friend, “EC.”
Also, he loved to visit all his friends daily at the Grantsboro 
Piggly-Wiggly.  His family always knew he loved them, and his simple ways 
of life were proof.  
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mildred Sawyer Rice; an 
infant daughter, Linda Ann; his parents, John and Bertha Rice; and brothers, 
Elmo and Saint Melbie Rice.  
He is survived by his daughter, Zelda R. Daniels and husband Louis of 
Alliance; a son, Joseph and wife Judy of Alliance; two stepdaughters, 
Libby G. Gooding and husband Bill of Reelsboro, and Freda G. Brinson 
Morris of New Bern; grandchildren, Rusty Daniels and wife Courtney, Ruthy 
D. Hiatt and husband Jay of New Bern, Joseph Rice Jr. of Bridgeton and 
Jonathan Rice of Newport; three great-grandchildren; eight step-
grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; and many precious nieces and 
nephews.
He loved his very special cat, “Bim Bim.”   
He was a member of Alliance Pentecostal Holiness Church, Bayboro Masonic 
Lodge No. 331, Sudan Temple, New Bern Scottish Rite, Pamlico Co. Shrine 
Club and Pamlico County Mourners.  
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hollywood Cemetery with the 
Rev. Lee Toler and the Rev. Michael Roach officiating and military rites 
by Pamlico Co. Veterans Council.  
The family will receive friends at Bryant Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m. on 
Tuesday.  
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home and Cremations, Alliance.





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