Marion Earle Rice of Lumberton passed away at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem on Monday, October 13, 2014. Marion was born on November 23, 1951 in Goldsboro and was a lifelong resident of Robeson County. He was a 1969 graduate of Orrum High School and a 1973 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in psychology and recreational administration. Marion enjoyed a career with the NC Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention which spanned 32 years. During his career he worked as a Court Counselor, Intake Officer, Chief Court Counselor and retired on June 1, 2004 as an Area Administrator of the department. He also served in Robeson County as a school board member and as a county commissioner. Having developed a love for horses as a young boy, he was fortunate to serve for the past 7 years as the Camp Host at Canebrake Horse Camp in the Uwharrie National Forest, which is located near Asheboro. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Durham Rice, step-father, Braddy Oliver, and father-in-law, Ralph Horne. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty Ann Horne Rice, mother-in-law, Ina Ruth Horne, sister-in-law, Joyce Horne Brisson and husband, Ronald all of Dublin; brother-in-law, Ralph Wayne Horne and wife Kathryn of Eden; nephews and families of Rodney Horne, Lance Horne, and Chris Brisson; and a special niece Brittany Brisson. He is also survived by a host of fellow horsemen and friends who loved him dearly. A memorial service will be held at a later date and honoring Marion's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brittany Brisson Scholarship Fund in care of Betty Ann Horne Rice, P.O. Box 618, Lumberton, NC 28359.