James Taylor Rice, age 83 of Magnolia, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017. Mr. Rice was born July 27, 1934 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He enjoyed church and was a member of Beacon Baptist Church. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He served in the United States Navy.

Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his parents, James T. and Janie Rice; his wife, Jennie Dean Rice who passed away on September 14, 2017; three brothers, Howard, Solem, and Charlie; and four sisters, Evelyn, Claudia, Billie, and Hazel.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Magnolia Rehab and Nursing Home and the staff at Magnolia Regional Medical Center for all their care.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor, Arkansas with Bro. Kerry Easley officiating. Interment will follow at Bussey Cemetery in Bussey, AR. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until service time at the Taylor Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Bussey Cemetery Association. Online registration is available at www.aosmithfuneralhome.com.