James De Wyatt Rice

James  De Wyatt Rice, age 67, of Sterlington and formerly of Columbia was born on December 12, 1954  at Jonesville, LA to the union of his parents, James E. Rice and Helen Janette Jones Rice and passed from this life on April 4, 2022 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe following an extended illness.

Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his father, James E. Rice. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of the Columbia Heights Baptist Church. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He loved working in his yard and growing flowers and plants. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and loved teaching those loves to his great-grandsons.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of forty seven years , Belinda Gail Rice of Sterlington; two daughters: LaDonna Smith and husband Kenneth and Amy L. May, all of Sterlington; his granddaughter:  Bri Anna Cooper and husband Sean of Sterlington; great grandsons: Rhett and Presley Cooper of Sterlington; his mother: Helen Rice; his sister, Debra Poe and husband Steve, Eros, LA; brother-in-law; Ricky Sypert and husband C. J. and a host of nieces and nephews.

The Rice Family would like to take this oppourtunity to thank the sixth floor Intensive Care Unit Nurses, Physicians and Staff for the wonderful level of care that was provided to James during his last days. Your love and care will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Riser & Son Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses, or memorials to the Columbia Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, 7450 Highway 165, Columbia, LA 71418 .

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday April 8, 2022 from the sanctuary of Columbia Heights Baptist Church  from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM .