Weldon Guy Rice

Weldon “Bo” Guy Rice, went peacefully home to his Heavenly Father, on Friday, October 1, 2021. His 91 years were celebrated by loving family, special friends, and faithful caregivers the day before he left. Weldon was born in Franklin County, NC on September 30, 1930 to the late Willie Guy and Etta Mae Dorsey Rice. Weldon was a 1948 graduate of Edward Best High School where he drove a school bus upon which a very pretty girl in the senior class also rode. Her name was Alma Edwards, whom Weldon married the week after he turned 18. They will celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary together in Heaven. Always ready with a good story, Weldon was known for his infectious smile, good humor, positive attitude and servant’s heart. Many lives were blessed in countless ways through service to his family, community, and nation. He was drafted into the Army in 1952, spent time in Germany, and after his discharge was employed by the state of North Carolina, retiring in 1991. Weldon was a long-time member of Highland Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years and loved on his church family with a heart of gold. Serving his community, he was a Master Mason in the Garner Masonic Lodge #701, a member of the Garner Optimist Club, and the American Legion of North Carolina. Fishing was Weldon’s favorite past time and he enjoyed wetting a hook anytime, anywhere. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, daddy, and PaPa to the family he cherished and who returned his love. Weldon is survived by his daughter Pamela “Pam” Rice Upchurch and her husband, Jeff, of Yorktown, VA; his brother, John E Rice and wife Betty Sue of Henderson; grandsons, Justin D. Upchurch and wife, Vanna, of Yorktown, VA, Maj. Matthew E. Upchurch and wife, Tricia, of Germany; great-grandsons, Thomas (9), David (7), and Aaron (5) Upchurch; a great-granddaughter, Abigail Upchurch (5 months), of Germany and our other loving family members. In addition to his parents, Weldon was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Alma E. Rice and his sister Doreen Rice Wheless. The family would like to express their appreciation to various family members and special friends for their loving care, concern, and support. They are also extremely grateful to the caregivers at Cadence Senior Living in Garner who gave special care to Mr. Weldon. Appreciation is also extended to WakeMed in Garner and Raleigh and Transitions LifeCare Hospice. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Rd, Raleigh, NC. Interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 or to Transitions Lifecare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.