Lonnie E. Rice

Lonnie E. Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the community, passed away on September 8, 2025, at Baptist Health Corbin in Corbin, Kentucky.

Lonnie Edward Rice was born April 18, 1950, to Charles Lindburgh Rice and Drucilla Sizemore Combs. He grew up rambunctiously playing on Rockhouse Creek with his younger siblings Sherry and Dean.

Lonnie was a loving and devoted husband and father. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda D. Sizemore Rice, on April 29, 1970. They had two children, Monica and Justin. Lonnie and Linda shared a beautiful and blessed life until cancer took his beloved Linda in September 1990. Ever strong and devoted, Lonnie stayed by Linda’s side and cared for her through her cancer battle. After her passing, he continued to provide strength, support, and love for their two children. Lonnie eventually found love again and married Melissa Nantz on June 1, 1996, and gained a stepson, Drew Mosley, who he loved and raised. Lonnie and Melissa lived a wonderful life together.

Lonnie proudly served in the U.S. Army from May 6, 1970 through December 22, 1971. He served with the A Battery, 6th Battalion of the 20th Field Artillery Regiment in Vietnam from September 23, 1970 until October 19, 1971. During his combat service in Vietnam, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star.

The majority of Lonnie’s career was in the mining industry. After his honorable Army discharge, he went to work at Shamrock Coal Company alongside his father, Lindburgh. Lonnie had various roles in the mines including mine maintenance superintendent. He installed and ran Shamrock’s first long wall miner. While working at Shamrock, he also owned and operated his own trucking company. After retiring from Shamrock, Lonnie traveled the world as a mine consultant lending his expertise to mines in England, Mexico, and South Africa. He also owned and operated Cardinal Mining, where he worked every day alongside his brother, Dean. Lonnie finally retired due to health-related problems at age 62.

Lonnie worked extremely hard his entire life, but when he found free time, he enjoyed building and racing cars, traveling, watching FOX News, and in later years playing online games. However, his greatest pastime was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Lonnie was a proud grandfather and adored his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed attending the Veteran’s Day ceremonies at their schools.

Although small in stature, Lonnie was a giant in life. In his children’s eyes, he was the strongest and toughest person in the world with quite possibly the ability to crush rocks with his bare hands. He was the epitome of strength, courage, and love. He provided his family with an example of how to live on your own terms without fear and love without limits.

Lonnie is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa Nantz Rice; his mother, Drucilla Combs, sons, Lonnie Justin Lindburgh Rice, and wife Jessica, Drew Mosley, and wife Kayla; daughter Monica Jolene Rice Smith and husband, Scott; brother, Gary Dean Rice; and grandchildren, Lauryn Bailey Smith, Jayden Smith, Lucas Rice, Arya Blake Rice, Tyler Chase Mosley, and a grandchild yet to be born.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lindburgh Rice; his first wife and mother of his children, Linda Sizemore Rice; his sister, Sherry Rice; and his nephew, Jeff Smith.

Lonnie E. Rice will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his contributions to the field of mining, and his vibrant spirit that brought joy to those around him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home, Hyden, KY.

Ministers: Larry Stubblefield and Manuel Howard

Interment: Kentucky Veterans Cemetery South East, Hyden, KY.

*Full Military Rites will be performed by the Leslie Co. DAV Chapter #133*

Pallbearers: Justin Rice, Drew Mosley, Lucas Rice, Scott Smith, Jayden Smith, Mason Asher and Chris Smith

Honorary Pallbearer: Gary Dean Rice

Visitation: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home Chapel