Leon Forest Rice, age 78, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Friday, January 20, 2017 at the local hospital. Leon was born February 13, 1938 in Chatsworth, GA, a son of the late Wilburn Rice Sr. and Pearl Wilson Rice. He was also preceded in death by his daughters, Kim Rice, April Bowman, brothers, James, Doyle and Don Rice, sister, Virginia Rice.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Tankersley of Rocky Face, GA; brother, Wilburn Rice Jr. of Dalton, GA; sister, Mary Lou Stoker of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Danielle Carroll and Bradley Norton of Dalton, GA, Jasmine Carroll of San Diego, CA, Brooke and Sean Stokes of Rocky Face, GA, Allen Bowman of Dalton, GA, Brittany Tankersley of Rocky Face, GA; great grandchildren, Landon, Lexi, Bradley and Charlie; several nieces and nephews.

Service to celebrate the life of Leon Forest Rice will be held Sunday January 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. from the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Tyler Gilreath officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements will be announced by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002
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