Donald E. Rice, age 84 of Sparta, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the St. Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta.  He was born February 19, 1937 in Sparta to the late John B. Rice Sr. and Lena Rivers Rice.  He was also preceded in death by a brother:  John B. "Shorty" Rice, Jr.

Donald was the Owner of Rice Grocery for over 40 years.  Along with his brother, he developed the River Oaks Subdivision on the Caney Fork River in Van Buren County.  He was also elected as Commissioner of the 7th district in 1978 and served 3 terms.

He is survived by his daughter:  Connie (Robert) Sparkman of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Brother:  Kyle Rice of Memphis

Sister:  Faye Smith of Sparta

Grandson: Trey (Sarah) Cantrell of Cookeville

Great-Granddaughter:  Reghan Cantrell

Due to Covid-19 Precautions,  Private Services and Burial in Oaklawn Cemetery.