John Rice

John "Mark" Rice, aged 66, resident of Moncure, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Friday February 13th, 2026 with his wife Lois by his side. Mark was born April 19, 1959 in Missouri. He was the only son of John and Margaret Rice of Rolla, Missouri.

Throughout his very active life, and especially after his retirement, Mark enjoyed traveling with his wife and loved being out on the water in his boats. He was also extremely handy and a car lover who had many mechanical side quests from building kit cars, working on and riding his motor bikes, to repairing things around the house, and restoring his classic Mustang as well as a vintage pedal car for his granddaughter Sophia.

Throughout his steadfast life of service, Mark was an active community member and a dedicated family man. He frequently drove home to Missouri to spend some quality time and lend a hand on the family farms. The annual Cider Reunion was a cherished highlight of his year every fall. He also volunteered a great deal of his time to working with NC Baptists on Mission throughout the U.S. and the world to help communities in need and contribute to folks building up their food sovereignty and self-sufficiency., and sharing the Gospel.

Beloved by many, Mark is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Lois Rice also of Moncure, NC, and was the adored “bonus dad” of Kaitlyn Friis Burley (her husband Austin Burley) of Raleigh, NC, and Erik Friis (his wife Pearl Friis, and Mark’s granddaughter Sophia Friis) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by both of his parents, John and Margaret Rice, and his sisters Debbie Rice Clark (Walter) of Rolla, MO, Denise Rice Boger (Jeff) of Cornelius, NC and Kara Rice Smith (Brian) of Manhattan, KS, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Mark’s family is planning a celebration of his life for a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made by donating in his honor to NC Baptists On Mission (BaptistsOnMission.org/Give).