Robert Kendrick Rice

1973 - 2024

Robert Kendrick Rice

May 14, 1973 - January 20, 2024

Holly Springs, North Carolina - Robert "Rob" Kendrick Rice, 50, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 20, 2024. He was born on May 14, 1973 to Robert Calvin and Karen Kendrick Rice in Greenville, NC and grew up in Raleigh.

Rob attended Ravenscroft School from age four until high school graduation. While there, he played basketball, wrestled, ran track, and played his beloved football for his favorite mentor, Ned Gonet. Upon graduation, he attended Appalachian State University where he played football for NC Hall of Fame coach Jerry Moore, and held the bench pressing record for all backs. He was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduating with both a BA in English and a BS in Communications, he continued his education at the University of Miami School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctorate. While there, he valued his semester abroad studying Constitutional Law at the University of London.

Rob practiced law as an associate for three law firms in Raleigh and Cary until his extended complication from heart surgery in 2019. He was a sole practitioner over the past four years providing support services to other law firms.

Rob was a true "Renaissance Man" who enjoyed conversing in depth with anyone about any subject. He loved his family, travel, and all sports and sports trivia. He was a "Foodie" who loved to cook and try all types of restaurants. His passion for all music and cinema resulted in a wealth of knowledge in the entertainment industry.

Rob was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Margie Rice and his maternal grandparents, Karl and Elizabeth Kendrick, all of New Bern, NC. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Evans Rice and his four year old son, Wyler Kendrick Rice. In addition, he is survived by his parents, Bobby and Karen Rice, sister, Kristen Rice Ange (Robert), and their children, Courtney, Watkins, and Calvin. Also surviving are his in-laws, Tony and Kathy Evans and sister-in-law, Rebecca Evans. Rob is also survived by aunts, uncles, and many cousins who adored him.

In this void left by Rob's untimely passing, family and friends are grateful to God for the gift of Rob and the time they had with him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jerry Moore Endowment Fund (Mountaineer Athletic Fund, Mark E. Ricks Athletic Complex, 425 Jack Branch Drive, Boone, NC 28608), the NC Zoo Society, (ATTN: Lisa Smith, 4403 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205), or a charity of one's choice.

A Witness to the Resurrection service for Rob will be held Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. A reception at the church will follow.

Services by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.