Robert Leroy Rice

Robert Leroy Rice, 83, of Cashiers, NC, passed away Monday, August 11, 2026. He was born November 10, 1942 in Macon County, NC to the late Leroy and Nellie Kinsey Rice.

Robert was a longtime resident of Flowery Branch, Georgia and a member of Mt. Salem Baptist Church.

He retired from J. M. Tull Steel Company and Jackson Trail Vending of Hoschton, Georgia, where he drove an 18 wheeler. He enjoyed cooking and looking at recipe books, of which he had quite a collection. He loved to work, enjoyed the Senior Center in Cashiers, and also served in the Army National Guard.

He is survived by brother Bennie and wife Nancy of Cashiers; sisters, Sharon Garren of Horseshoe, and Janice Dillard of Sandy Lake PA; children, Phil Rice, Jeff Rice, and Debbie Thomas; step-son, Bret Daniels (LeeAnn); and many grandkids and great-grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad, Leroy and Nell and brothers, Billy Ray and Donnie Rice.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Cashiers Baptist Church. A private burial will follow in the Upper Zachary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rice family