Mr. Howard Herbert Rice

Mr. Howard Herbert Rice, age 84, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Rice was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church in Statham. He served as a Deacon at the church since 1980. Herb had a special bond and love for his church family-and he made sure his family, and friends knew how much he loved them.

Mr. Rice retired from Akins Ford in Winder. He had a passion for antique cars and enjoyed attending antique car shows. Herb had a larger-than-life personality and was known to start a conversation with anybody that would listen. He never met a stranger. Herb will be remembered best as a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Edgar Milton Rice and Nettie Mae Hawkins Rice; and siblings, Paul Rice and David Rice.

Herb is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Diane Elizabeth Rice of Auburn; children, Jennifer (Jeff) Brooks of Comer, Paul (Laura) Rice of Winder, and Andy (Paulette) Rice of Cumming; siblings, Irene (Bob) Bailey of Winder, Margaret Rice Clay of Buford, and Nell Rice Cloud of Marietta; six grandchildren, Rachel (Nathan) Boyce, Stephen Brooks, Erin Rice, Madison Rice, Peyton Rice, and Owen Rice; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in the Chapel of Maddox Memorial Home with Rev. Matt Dibler and Rev. Lindell Hunsley officiating. Burial will follow the service at Barrow Memorial Gardens. The family will recieve friends on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Maddox Memorial Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Mr. Rice to Calvary Baptist Church for the Mission Fund or the Building Fund at 1975 GA-82, Statham, GA 30666.

Maddox Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.