Mr. James S. "Butterball" Rice, 79, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Robeson County, NC on November 20, 1943 to the late Elmer & Rettie Leigh Rice.

He lived his whole life in the Long Branch community of Lumberton, NC. Butterball was married to the love of his life, Linda Faye Warwick, for 48 years until her death in 2017.

Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Billy.

Butterball is survived by his sons, Rev. James E. Rice (Susan) and Cory Rice; three grandchildren; his sisters, Virginia Lane (Douglas) and Ann Gray; and his brother, E.M. Rice.

Butterball worked several jobs in his lifetime, including farming, truck driving, and maintenance in textiles at Alamac Mill Co. Up until his health declined, he enjoyed fishing a lot and was well known for his fishing skills.

Butterball had many dear and loyal friends and loved ones. There was Howard, Dickie, and Albert, to name a few! He also had a special nephew, Kevin Warwick, who was al his caregiver.

There will be a memorial service held on Friday, May 12th at 3:00 pm at Long Branch Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Liberty Hospice for their compassionate care during Butterball's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Long Branch Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member.