Mr. Gary Vetrice Rice, 58, of 1322 Frederick Street Apt. A Shelby, NC passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at his residence. He was born in Cleveland County, NC on May 20, 1961. He was the son of the late Earnestine Rice.

Gary attended Crest High School where he was a standout football player and achieved the title of Most Valuable Player. He was previously employed for a number of years with Bojangles and most recently with General Shale Construction Company until his health declined. Gary was an easy to get along with and outgoing person who loved being around friends and family. Known for not using foul language, one of his most memorable sayings was “Good Juicy Fruit”.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frankie Rice and Lester Rice.

He leaves to cherish his memory, children, Gary Vetrice Addison, Kenneth Wimbush, Sammy Wimbush and Kathy Wimbush all of Shelby; siblings, Jeanette Morris of Shelby, Phillip Rice of Alexandria, VA, Robert Rice of Gastonia, NC, Danny Rice of Asheville, NC and Rachel Chambers (Keith) of Gastonia, NC; a host of grandchildren; five aunts, Inez Manning, Lorene Simpson, Selena Thompson, Julie Jolly and Betty Sims and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM at S. T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the chapel and other times at 517 East Warren Street Apt. D Shelby.