OBITUARY

A Time To Be Born

Elliott Noble Ryce, Sr.  was born on March 17, 1929 to Arthur Rice, Sr. and Daisy Upshaw Rice. He was the 5th child of 9 children: Alma, Arthur Jr., Earline, Eva, Elliott Sr., Harold, Sr., Wilbur Sr., Ruth, and Earl.

A Time to Grow

Elliott and his siblings were raised in "The Bottoms" of Fairfield on 62nd Street. They attended & worshipped at First Baptist Church Fairfield and were baptized under the leadership of Rev. E. W. Williams. He served as a personal driver to Pastor Dr. C. H. Nevett. He was ordained a deacon under leadership of Pastor Emeritus Rev. Robert G. Twyman.

A Time To Love

Elliott met the love of his life Corrine Abraham on the campus of Miles College,  where Corrine was a student. They were married on December 27, 1949. To this union six children were born: Ronald, Gloria, Anthony, Andre, Elliott, Jr., and Calvin. They raised their children in Fairfield and later moved to Birmingham.

A Time to Learn

Elliott was educated in the Fairfield City School System and education was very important to him. He made sure that he attended all of his children, grandchildren and most of his great-grandchildren's graduations.

A Time to Work

Elliott was drafted into the United States Army in 1949 and served during the Korean War. After the army, he worked at Lloyd Nolan Hospital. Later, he worked at U.S. Steel Plant. After massive layoffs at U. S. Steel, he found employment with Security Engineers where he worked until retirement.

A Time to Serve

Deacon Ryce was a faithful member of First Baptist, and he loved his church and church family. Throughout his life he served in the following ministries: President of the Chancel Choir, Deacon, Chairman of the Laymen Ministry and a faithful Sunday School attendee. Before his health failed, he would faithfully attend the Peace Baptist District Meetings & Conferences and Laymen Meetings & Conferences. He especially loved traveling with Pastor Emeritus Twyman to the Alabama State and National Baptist Congress Meetings.

A Time To Mourn

Preceding him in death were his parents: Arthur and Daisy Rice; his wife: Corrine Abraham Ryce; a son: Anthony Leon Rice; his brothers: Arthur, Jr. Harold, Sr., Wilbur, Sr., and Earl. His sisters: Alma Ryce Taylor, Earline Rice, and Eva Lois Ryce Thomas.

A Time to Die

On Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 12:45 p.m., Elliott transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

A Time To Remember

He leaves to cherish his memories…

His children: Ronald Ryce, Gloria Ryce, Andre (Michelle) Ryce, Elliott (Margaret) Ryce, Jr., and Calvin Ryce, his loving and devoted caregiver. His baby sister: Ruth Ryce Harrison; a sister-in-love: Eunice Barnes; and a brother-in-love: Bertis Blanks, Sr. His grandchildren: Lori Ryce-McCray, Katrisa & Katresa Larry, April Clark, Marcus Turner, Sr., Anthony Clark, Alicia Clark, Eric Brandon Fletcher, Taron (Deanna) Ryce, Sr., Brittney Ryce, Theron Benjamin Ryce, Christopher Ryce, Briann Ryce, Aaron Dean Ryce, and Mariah Ryce. His great-grandchildren: Corrina Rose McCray, Olivia Reynolds, Taylor Larry, Lorin Ryce,  Devin Rose, Jaxon Smith , Dennis Springer, III, Deauna Pearson, Austyn & Ayden Casey, Cordariuse Burns, Taron Ryce, Jr., Breelah Orr, Treasure Orr,  Marcus Turner, Jr., Marquise Shabazz, Tylan Ryce, Bryson Orr, and Monroe Ryce. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.