Luther A. Rice, 73, of Piggott died Monday, March 15, 2004, in St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

He was born on Jan. 17, 1931, in McDougal, the son of the late George Robert and Eatti Mae Morgan Rice.

He was united in marriage to Debbie Wilkes on March 22, 1991.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Pamila Mae Rice; and four sisters, Gladys Mcillwain, Mary Johnson, Francis Ellen Christian and Della Green.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Rice of Piggott; nine children, Charles Rice of Michigan, Rhonda Rice of Casseville, Mo., Beverly Rosson of Neelyville, Mo., Bobby Rice of Neelyville, Mo., Starla Gordon of DeSoto, Mo., Betty Ann Rice of St. Louis, Michael Shawn Hager of Greenway, Misty Dawn Russell of Potter, Nebr., and Christopher Gene Hager of Piggott; 26 grandchildren; two brothers, John Thomas Rice of Corning and George Robert Rice of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2004, in the Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Danny Self officiating. Burial followed in the Corning Cemetery in Corning. Pallbearers were Allen Gordon, Justin Lewis, Timothy Tutor, Shawn Hager, Raymond Hobbs and Steve Wilkes.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements.