James A. Rice

James Arthur Rice, 55, of 1050 East 230th St., Bronx, N.Y., husband of Minnie Pierce Rice, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, in Laconia Nursing Home, Bronx, N.Y.

Son of Blanche Rice Johnson of Gaffney and the late Wellna Johnson, he was born on July 4, 1953, in Cherokee County. At an early age, he joined Southern Baptist Church in East Elmhurst, N.Y., and later became a member of

Miracle Temple in

Bronx, where he was

a member of the Usher Board. He was a graduate of New Town High School and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Also surviving are a son, Joseph Santina Rice of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three brothers, Jerry Dwight Rice of Manhattan, N.Y., Paul Frederick Johnson of Pikesville, Md., and Llewellyn Smiley Johnson of Waco, N.C.; and 10 sisters, Geraldine Dina Johnson of Charlotte, Elizabeth Michelle Johnson of Corona, Queens, N.Y., Jo Ann Davidson, Francis Dawkins, Betty Davidson, Robin Davidson, Willa Davidson, Cathy Sullivan, Tonya Davis and Leatha Davidson, all of Gaffney.

Arrangements by Foster Funeral Home.