Mr. Carey Eugene Rice, 80, of Condor Street, Hartwell, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at AnMed Health Medical Center, Anderson SC.

Born on June 19, 1936 in Hartwell, GA, he was the son of the late Darwin Mack Rice and Nancy Elizabeth Rowland Rice York.Mr. Rice was formerly employed for a number of years at B & W Gas Company and then worked at Tri-State Distributors before retiring as a maintenance worker for the Hartwell Housing Authority and a member of the Cross Roads Baptist Church.He also loved playing the piano in several bands.

Survivors include his wife: Mary Ben Shirley Rice; one daughter: Regina Williams (Jon) of Lavonia; two grandchildren: Mary Kathryn Heisel, and Anna Grace Heisel and one sister: Dorothy Howell of Bowersville. Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Joe Frank Rice, James Rice, Lester Rice, Leland "Duck" Rice and four sisters: Edith McCurley, Ruth Smith, Susie Yearwood, and Sally Cleveland.

A memorial service celebrating Carey's life will held on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cross Roads Baptist Church with Rev. Sean Payne officiating.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 at the Cross Roads Baptist Church. The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cross Roads Baptist Church Family Life Building Fund, 3636 Lavonia Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.