Claude C. Rice was born on May 31, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi to Lawrence Rice and Annie Brown. He was reared by his mother Annie and stepfather Everett Bartfield until his passing and his uncle, Julius J.W. Brown helped raise him.

After he graduated high school he joined the United States Air Force. His service to his country and fellowman was honorable on the battlefield and in life.

He attended college and went on to work for Columbia Gas for many years.

Claude met and married Lettie Mosby Wallace in 1995. They enjoyed 22 years of marriage. Claude truly adored Lettie and together they raised a grandson, Niko Wallace, as their own. Niki, as Claude lovingly called Niko, and Claude had a very special and close bond.

Claude was a very quiet and reserved man and valued his family. He was a sharp dresser and enjoyed a good time at the racetrack watching the horses.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie, an uncle, J. W. Brown and a stepson, Gilbert Wallace.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lettie; his children, Jonathan Rice and Niko Wallace, other children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his five step-children, Violet, Paul, Joann, Tonya and Shontee Wallace; an uncle, L. W. Brown and a host of other relatives and friends.