James "Donnie" Rice, 75 passed away Sunday January 24, 2021 in Rosman. He was raised in Cashiers, NC by the late Leroy and Nellie Kinsey Rice. Donnie was a Veteran who served his Country in the US Army. He retired from Ecusta after 38 years. During his time at Ecusta he was on the Ecusta Bowling League and the Ecusta Softball Team. In his retirement he enjoyed playing Golf and Blue Grass Music. He was also known for his home cooking and canning. He loved to cook on the old wood stove. When Donnie was not busy with his love of golf, he would also help out at the Farmers Market in Asheville. He was also part of the Young Bat Company team in Fletcher where he helped make custom wood bats and where he learned a new trade for one of his favorite sports and developed lasting friendships. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Leroy and Nellie Kinsey Rice along with one brother, Billy Ray Rice. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Powell Rice; son Jerry Rice of Charleston, SC; daughter, Kristy Rice Norris and Husband Chris of Penrose, NC; step-son Danny Staton and wife Judi of Brevard NC; step-daughter, Missie Staton Wilmot and husband Keith of Brevard, NC; two brothers, Robert Rice of Atlanta, GA and Bennie Rice of Cashiers, NC; two sisters, Janice Dillard of Cashiers, NC and Sharon Garren of Mills River, NC; ten grandchildren, Tela Duncan (Andy) of Etowah, NC, Micah Norris of Asheville, NC, Natalie Williams (Cody) of Atlanta, GA, Matthew of Atlanta, GA, Taylor Young (Tom) Brevard, NC, Tiffany Horne (Daryl) of Hendersonville, NC, Michael Wilmot (Megan) of Little River, NC, Dillon Staton (Brittany) of Etowah, NC, Tanner Staton of Rosman, NC, Tristan Staton (Jessalyn) of Rosman, NC, Ashlyn Orr (Noah) of Rosman, NC, Courtney Laws (Jordan) of Brevard, NC; great grandchildren, Montana, Trace, Molly and Charles, Emmett, Jordan, Chloe, Maverick, Braxton and Charleigh; many very special nieces and nephews he was so close with and cherished. To most he was known as "Bull" or "Papaw Rice". Those who knew him knew he loved spending time with friends and family. He is Loved and Cherished by all who knew him. Services are private. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnolyfuneralhome.com