Comments on: Words of comfort

By: Joe Landers

Joe Landers — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:46:14 +0000

Dear Sister Beverly and family,

Please forgive me for rambling, but you and your family mean so much to me and I’m sure to so many others. I live in Asheboro, NC, so they can keep a closer eye on me. I’ve known Russ for 36 wonderful years because you were so unselfish in sharing him with so many of us . It was said of Barnabas, “that he was a good man”, the same can be said of Russ without any hesitation, but behind every great man is a great woman and Bev. you fit that picture to the tee.
My heart was sadden when I heard of Russ’s beating me to the finish line, I wish God could have taken me first and left him behind to continue helping people and just being Russell, always putting others first. My heart is gladden because I know this is not the end but just the beginning for him, he moved off this stage of life to really live where there are no rehersals, no mistakes, no sadness, no pain or any other such thing to hamper us from the real joy of the Lord. Russ was more than just a brother in Christ, he was more like a natural brother, always taking up for his kid brother, I could talk to him about anything. Bev. you were the love of his life and he often told me about the first time he saw you and said I want to marry that girl, what devotion and love. My mind wonders a lot and I will miss him dearly , but thank God! You know the rest of the story. I’m so glad before I moved to N.C. we had the opportunity to spend time with the both of you, always so understanding and uplifting. Let me say I’m praying for you and the family like multitutes of others. We love the Rice family .. God has chosen another beautiful rose from His garden for His bouquet . If there is any thing I can ever do for you ,please let know.

In Christ,

Joe Landers

By: Jeff Mabe

Jeff Mabe — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:54:37 +0000

Mr. Rice & Family,
I was 15 years old when Rusty and I became best friends. I can’t count the times you welcomed me into your home and gave me shelter and Love. Going to church was required of the preacher’s son, and if you were his best friend you were in church each time the doors were opened! Sundays at the Rice home was always sooooo GREAT! Mrs. Rice was an excelent cook and nobody made tea that taste as Good as hers. I’ll always remember her at the table with a book, but never to busy to take the time to help anyone. Mr. Rice loved and believed in his family and GOD’S vision for them so much that he never gave up HOPE! He always kept his eyes focused on the cross and GOD’S will, never on SELF. The Bible says that you can tell a tree by the fruit it bears. Truley Mr. Rice has borne much fruit for GOD and His SON Jesus Christ. I can truley say from the short time in the 70′s that I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Rice family that Mr. Rice example of a Chirst like life far exceeded his sermons. I love him, and his family. I appreciate the positive impact that he personally has had on my life. Now my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m sorry for you loss, but soooo happy for the LORD’S gain.

I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Jeff Mabe

By: Satterfields and Hortons

Satterfields and Hortons — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:31:11 +0000

We love you, Dr. Rice. You have meant so much to us through the years. “It won’t be long, “we will all be home”. We will see you there!

By: Nellie

Nellie — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:53:08 +0000

Dear Charity and family,
You are in our hearts and prayers. The Lord will give you the strength you need in the times ahead, as you fully rely on Him. What a precious example your father is and always has been to our families.
With Much Love,
Tim, Nellie, Jack and Samantha Joy LePard

By: Pastor Joe Spencer

Pastor Joe Spencer — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:17:06 +0000

Dear Bro. Russel, Beverly and Family:
There’s never been a closer friend and a sweeter relationship than Bro. Russel and Beverly and their wonderful family. I can clearly remember the very first revival meeting that you preached for us at Ballard Baptist Church. You, Bro. Russel, are one of the reasons, that I am in the ministry today. Your Preaching Ability, your memory, the ability to tell stories, and your faithfulness to God, your family, your church, and your wonderful personality. you never forgot us. I love you for your love and respect for my Dad, and our family. I am so glad that you were able to preach for us at Friendship Baptist Church at Forest Hill, wv. I will always remember the sermon. In the Gospel of John Chapter 5, verse 35. “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.” We know that Jesus is speaking of “John the Baptist”. But this message touched my heart and because of your message, the Holy Spirit brought this reality to my heart and I realized that I too, am to be a burning and shining light for Christ. Because of my Dad’s preaching and your message, I too, want to be a burning and shining light for HIM. You burned for HIM, you shined for HIM, and very soon we all will be rejoicing in HIS Light.
Praise God, What a Day that will be.
Heaven’s getting sweeter all the time.
We love you all and are praying for God’s will to be done in your life and Beverlys’ & your family. Psa. 23:4 says: “yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me;…
When I am weak; then am I strong. for God is with me.

In God’s wonderful arms;
Pastor Joe Spencer & Becky

By: Bill & Jennifer Jordan

Bill & Jennifer Jordan — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:35:47 +0000

The Rice family is truly in our prayers.
We know what a trooper and dear follower of Jesus Bro. Rice has been for so many years. He has been a trememdous blessing to he Jordan’s for many years. Our love, appreciation and prayers are with you at this time.
Bill & Jennifer Jordan

By: Freeman Weems

Freeman Weems — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:35:12 +0000

Dear Ones,

We are praying for you. Dr. Rice has been very special to me and my family as well as the church I pastor. We will be asking the Lord for grace for all of you.

Pastor F. J. Weems III
First Baptist Church of Atoka