Rice, Ben C., 81 , Temple Terrace, Florida, passed away in the company of his loving wife and family on September 30, 2022. Ben was born on August 17, 1941, in Tazewell, Tennessee to William and Lucille Rice, later of Rockford, Tennessee, and lived in Tampa for most of his life – but Tennessee was always his home. Ben married his sweetheart, Barbara (Myers) Rice, almost sixty years ago at Central Point Baptist Church right down the road from both of their family homes in Rockford, Tennessee; the family will return him home to Central Point on October 16, 2022. Ben attended East Tennessee State and the University of Tennessee and remained a dedicated Vols fan until the final (winning) game of his life the weekend before he died.

A lifelong salesman, Ben enjoyed a rewarding and fulfilling career as an insurance professional. He started selling life insurance after college and mastered his craft while working with companies like Metropolitan, John Hancock, Acacia, and Integon. During this time, he moved his family all over the south, living in five (5) states before settling in Tampa in 1976. He achieved his CLU designation and later opened his own independent insurance agency, Young Driver's, building this successful business from scratch until he sold it and embarked on his next chapter. Ben then had the opportunity to open and grow a neighborhood office for Allstate where, to his absolute delight, his wife joined him and they worked side by side for the rest of his professional life. Ben retired more than once, and had a late chapter career in permanent employee leasing and benefits. He enjoyed his stewardship at Belmont Baptist Church where he served as deacon; later he and Barbara were faithful members of First Baptist Church, Temple Terrace.

Much of Ben's – also known as Pops – enjoyment of life was derived from his beloved wife and their two children Michael Scott Rice of Tampa, and Sherri Rice Kirkland of Ocala. The rest of his joy came from his loyal support of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (since 1976), traveling the world with his bride, and spending time fishing, traveling, watching football, and attending events with his five beloved grandchildren. He remained perpetually delighted every time he welcomed a new addition and the feeling was entirely mutual. Pops was loved by grandchildren: Madison Myers Kirkland of Ocala, Rachael Elizabeth Rice of Tampa, Benjamin Scott Rice of Tampa, Jackson Liddell Kirkland of Ocala, and Emerson Jane Kirkland also of Ocala. It should also be noted that he was extremely fond of the dog, Lexie, who Nana brought home a few years ago (over his vehement wishes), and who visited him faithfully up until he was gone.

Ben also leaves behind his sister Lillian Rice Maggard of Rockford, Tennessee, Jim Rice of Rockford, Tennessee, longtime daughter-in-law, Diane Krawczynski Rice of Tampa, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his in laws, Willie and Trula (Ingle) Myers both of Rockford, his sister Carol (Linda) Bible of Seymour, Tennessee, Brother-in-Law, Coy Maggard of Rockford, Tennessee, and his son-in-law, Douglas Liddell Kirkland of Ocala. Miller's Funeral Home of Maryville, Tennessee is handling arrangements and Pops will be laid to final rest on October 16, 2022 at Central Point Baptist Church, Rockford, Tennessee. His pallbearers for this ceremony of love and tribute will be: Grandson Benjamin Rice, Grandson Jackson Kirkland, Nephew Kevin Rice, Nephew Robert Smith, Great-Nephew Jordan Smith, and Nephew Mike Reagan. Please

see www.millerfuneralhome.org for additional details. In lieu of flowers, please donate your time, treasure, or talent to your favorite charity in honor of Ben Rice, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Funeral service will be held 3:00 Pm Sunday October 16, 2022 at Central Point Baptist Church, interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM Sunday at Central Point Baptist Church.  Arrangements are with Miller Funeral Home, Maryville.