Joseph Leon Rice

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Joseph Leon “Bucky” Rice, 88. Originally from Cairo, Illinois, Joseph called Augusta, Georgia home for more than 50 years. He was a veteran who served with distinction for 22 years of active service and eight years of inactive service with the U.S. Army. During his military career, he was awarded multiple medals and commendations for courage and valor, including the Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. After military retirement, he served as Northeast District Manager for Purolator Courier Corporation for 18 years. After retiring from that position, he was the owner and operator of Cadeke Express, a courier corporation that serviced the medical community for 20 years. He was a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and was thrilled to see them win the World Series one more time. Joseph was also a true family man. With all of the many accolades that he received during his lifetime, his most treasured title was loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all.

Family members include his daughters: Carolyn Dunn (Steven), Deborah Johnson, Kathleene Pennington (John); grandchildren: Steven Dunn, Jr., Laura Doyle, Christopher Johnson, Brett Johnson, Kendyl Pennington, Karson Pennington; great grandchildren: Karter Doyle, Khloe Doyle, Lily Johnson, and Abby Johnson; and sister: Claudette Pearson. Special caregivers who lovingly cared for him like family: Pat Sykes and Debbie Davis. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 42 years Roselee (Cagle) Rice; brothers: Edgar Rice, Ira Rice, Thomas Rice, and Teddy Rice; and grandchildren: Jessica Johnson and Jackson Pennington.

The funeral service will be held Monday, November 22, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Vernon Knight officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Reach Out and Read - Georgia, 89 South Street, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02111.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com