Charles M. Rice
March 28, 1919 ~ December 14, 2010
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Charles Mauck Rice, 91, of 256 Old U.S. 19-23 Highway, died Tuesday, December 14, 2010.
He was born in Asheville on March 28, 1919, to Charles Julius and Grace Mauck Rice.
Charles graduated in 1936 from Candler High School, worked at American Enka Co., and then served in the U.S. Army Infantry and Army Air Corps in World War II. He was a B-29 pilot about to deploy to the South Pacific when Japan surrendered. In 1949, he received a mechanical engineering degree with high honors from N.C. State College (now NCSU). He was a member of Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity.
Charles spent his career as a research engineer with American Enka Co., where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 1983. He was an innovative designer of mechanical components and was sometimes called "Enka's Edison" for his many patents.
He was a skilled machinist and woodworker as well as a prolific gardener. He designed and built his family's home on the Mile Straight.
Charles was a member of the Candler Lions Club for 62 years and served as its president and long-time secretary.
Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Newcomb Rice, of the home; son Geoffrey Rice and his wife, Lacey, of Sugar Land, Texas; daughter Nancy Rice Lassiter and her husband, Tom, of Greensboro; and grandsons Ben Lassiter of Durham and Stephen Lassiter of Washington, D.C. A second daughter, Susan Mary, died in infancy.
The family thanks Dr. David Wells and staff of Hominy Valley Family Health Center, CarePartners nurses, and the staff of Mission Hospital for their compassionate care.
A memorial gathering will be held at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave., Asheville, at 3:00 pm Tuesday, December 28. THe family will receive friends following the service.
Memorials may be made to the Samuel Bell Gudger Cemetery Fund – payable to Mary C. Swayngim, 28 Coke Candler Lane, Candler, N.C. 28715; or to the Candler Lions Club – c/o Frank Moore, Treasurer; 75 Pine Tree Drive, Candler, N.C. 28715.
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Dear Eleanor and family,
I am so sorry to learn of Charles’ passing. Such a fine, upstanding, Christian. I know there are no words that can comfort or lessen the grief, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Morrow
ELEANOR, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF CHARLES PASSING. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS. MY HEALTH IS NOT VERY GOOD NOW BUT EVEN THO I CANT COME YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS.TAKE CARE
Rice Family, Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s death. We both worked with him at American Enka and have nothing but praise and respect for a man of his intellect and great work ethics. We will cherish our memories of working with him and please remember our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We will truly miss Charles. The Rices have always been a part of my life and particularly during his later years we found we had many things in common. He leaves behind quite a legacy!
As a colleague who had many occasions to work closely with Charles at American Enka, I can truly state that Charles contributed greatly to the wellbeing of the Company and thereby a positive influence in the lives of his coworkers. He was the ‘go to’ man for problem solving. As an engineer, he was brilliant. But more significantly, he was everything anyone could wish or hope for in a fellow human being. I am blessed by having known him. Charles will be truly missed.
Eleanor,
We were sorry to hear of your loss and we’ll be thinking of you during this time.
Eleanor,
The Sand Hill Lions Club sends our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Lion Charles served his country with pride and distinguishment. He also exemplified in his many years as a Lion what the motto of Lions ‘We Serve’ truly means. In Lionism he will always be remembered.
Dear Nancy – I had the good fortune to begin my working years two doors down from your father’s office at American Enka. I remember fondly his wry sense of humor. Although his vast natural intelligence was obvious, in my experience he was one of the most down-to-earth people I have ever known. I always thought of him as a Norman Rockwell painting that walked off the canvas. I am so sorry for your loss, and know that you are in my heart and thoughts at this time.
Cathey Rhodarmer Turbyfill
Charles was my boss for 17 years and was a good friend for many more. We shared some good times and good experiences. Regretfully, I didn’t spend as much time with him as I would have liked or that I should have in later years.
I learned a lot from Charley and depended a lot on his wisdom and common sense. He was larger than life to me and I will never forget all that he stood for in my eyes, equal in stature to my own father. He was the most intelligent person I have ever known and I’ve known some smart people. I’ll miss him more than I can ever tell.
Eleanor,
While only knowing Charles a short while, I did enjoy his quick wit, his candor, and company. I feel that we have lost another great person, and am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts & prayers’……
I am sorry to read of your loss. Losing a loved one can be painful. We want to live, and we want to enjoy life with those we love. It is only natural that we yearn to see our dead loved ones again.
The Bible teaches that most people who have died will be resurrected. Jesus promised that “those in the memorial tombs will . . . come out.” (John chapter 5 verses 28 and 29) In harmony with God’s original purpose, those resurrected as humans will have the opportunity to live on a paradise earth. (Luke chapter 23 verse 43) This promised future includes perfect health and everlasting life for obedient humans. The Bible says: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”—Psalm chapter 37 verse 29.
I will continue to enjoy Charles for his quick wit and enjoyment of a good story. He was a true lion for the Candler Lions Club.
Eleanor and family,
I was sorry to learn of the death of Charles. I always enjoyed my visits with Charles. Getting my Uncle Frank and my cousin Charles on the same floor in your home was a challenge. But, thanks to Charles’ innovative design we were successfull. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Holt
Eleanor I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you now and peace be with you. You are in my prayers.
Nancy, Your father and mother calling me ‘Brown’ is such an ingrained part of my childhood memories. I always loved staying at your home. Watching your father working in the yard and garden and your mother running us to town on Saturdays after your piano lessons. Those were good times.
I enjoyed seeing your parents when they came to my work place in these later years. I thought the world of your father.
Miss Eleanor, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mr. Charles working in his garden, his wave when he caught me watching him.
Clyde & Margaret Curtis & Toni Keenan have asked that I send their thoughts your way.
Miss, Eleanor, you have my phone number, call when I can of help & and when you are ready for visitors. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family! May God bless you!