Dr. Lucian Candler Rice Jr.
March 18, 1944 ~ August 4, 2026
Asheville Butterfly TrailDr. Lucian Candler Rice Jr. passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on March 18, 1944, to the late Lucian Rice Sr. and Jewel Rice.
Lucian lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and selfless service to others. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Rice; his sons, Candler Rice and Jonathan Rice; his daughter, Rebecca Rice Rampa; his granddaughters, Alora Rice and Gracie Rampa; his sister, Susan Rice Galloway; and a number of cherished nieces and nephews.
Lucian graduated from Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1962. He attended Emory University, where he served as president of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He continued his education at Emory University School of Medicine, where he was elected president of his class.
After completing his internship at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, he completed his two year residency at Duke University in Durham. Lucian moved to Asheville in 1973 where he joined the internal medicine practice, Biltmore Medical Associates, with Dr. Ted Hill. Over the ensuing years, Biltmore Medical grew under Lucian’s leadership into the prominent internal medicine practice that it is today. Lucian took great pride in his work and loved his patients. He retired from practice in 2019. In addition to his distinguished medical career, Lucian proudly served his country for six years in the Army Medical Reserve.
Lucian was known for his humility, kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to caring for others. He had a calm presence, a warm smile, and a servant’s heart that touched countless lives. He enjoyed skiing, music, and in recent years, especially treasured attending Candler’s performances.
A Celebration of Dr. Rice’s life will be held starting at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 16 in the Chatlos Memorial Chapel at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28805. A livestream is available by clicking the link just below the obituary text. In-person guests will be directed by the Cove staff to parking areas which will have shuttle service beginning at 2:15 PM.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Bryan Myers, Jackie Johnson, Peggy Noel and the Givens Estates Community for their compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: SECU Center for Memory Care,100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803 or to Samaritans Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
Broadcast Date:
Services
Celebration of Life: August 16, 2026 3:00 pm
Chatlos Chapel at The Cove
1 Porters Cove Road
Asheville, NC 28805
http://www.thecove.org
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
A gentle and kind man and esteemed colleague for 30 years. Only good memories of working along side you, Lucian.
Mary Ann and family I am so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort each of you during this very difficult time.
It took about two minutes when I first met Lucian to realize he was a very special caring and compassionate physician. Though I was not his patient, we crossed paths at Biltmore Medical and he always found time to catch up and chat. Dr. Rice was a legendary physician and a very honorable man. My condolcences to Mary Ann, to his medical associates, and to his friends during this difficult time.
Met him in 2008 at the gym and he became my personal physician. So many wonderful insightful conversations. My sincerest condolences to the Rice family.
Mary Ann and Candler,
I have so many happy memories of Dr Rice. I wish you guys many prayers in the days and months ahead.
Mary Ann my sincere sympathy. Lucian was friends to many and will be missed.
God Bless.
Fred Ayers
I’m so very sorry, Mary Ann. Dr. Rice was so kind to me when I worked at Biltmore Medical, and so compassionate with his patients. Joe and I are praying for you, and your precious family.
I extend my condolences on the passing of an extraordinary man – a true follower of Christ, a compassionate physician, and a friend. Lucian’s strong faith was his foundation; it shaped not only his approach to medicine but also his every interaction. His kindness, humility, and integrity were a living testimony to his beliefs and touched the lives of so many patients, coworkers and friends.
As a physician, Lucian was a model of excellence, always putting others before himself, offering comfort, hope, and expert care in every circumstance. His legacy of love, faith, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May God’s peace surround you in this time of sorrow, and may you find comfort in the memories of his remarkable life.
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers,
Alan Morgan
Dr. Rice was my doctor for 46 years. Such a wonderful doctor, kind compassionate, caring always took time to listen to you. He loved the Lord, loved his work and his family. What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. Every doctor I was referred to always said you have one of the best doctors in Asheville. Dr. Rice you will be missed. Prayers for peace, comfort and strength for the family.
It is not often in life that someone’s physician impacts one’s life both professionally and personally like Dr Rice. He was certainly a kind and caring doctor but more than that he was a kind and caring man. He listened with genuine caring and respect and always sought to make the best decisions on behalf of his patients. I missed him the minute he retired but trust he had good years of well earned rest before entering his eternal rest. May God comfort the family at this time of loss of a beloved person.
Dr. Rice was always the most respectful, delightful and professional physician to work with at St. Joseph’s. Such a gentleman and a ray of sunshine.
Thank you to his family for sharing him with the nurses and staff of 6 th floor. My most sincere condolences. Michele Chapin Luke, RN
My family loved Dr. Rice. He was like an uncle to me. My mom Jane Lanning worked as his nurse for 27 years. We are so sorry for your loss. Brent
Dr Rice was my parents doctor for many years. He was just the best! Kind, compassionate, and so knowledgeable. He made a huge difference in the life of our family. He even helped me through some rough times even though he was not my regular physician. I am blessed to have know him
I loved your mom so much. She was a precious lady. My parents were Dr Rice’s 2nd and 3rd patients in 1973.
Dr Rice was my parents doctor for many years. He was just the best! Kind, compassionate, and so knowledgeable. He made a huge difference in the life of our family. He even helped me through some rough times even though he was not my regular physician. I am blessed to have known him
Hi Eric!
A wonderful Man and Great Docter
Dr. Rice showed loved and compassion to generations of Shuford families throughout his entire practice at Biltmore Medical. To God we give glory and thanksgiving.
Mary Ann, prayers for comfort and peace for you and your family during this bittersweet time.
Love you, Joni J.
Dr. Rice was my primary care physician from 1991 until he retired! The care he provided for me throughout those years was impeccable! He was so easy to talk to and the compassion he showed, I will never forget! Not only did he care for my physical elements but he was there for me in many joyful moments and for deep sorrows. I lost my Mother to suicide in 2015 and he was so caring, understanding when I just needed to cry. I just want his family to know that all his patients are so grateful that you shared him with us! May God comfort you and bring you peace in knowing that you will see him again!