Mr. Elbert Leon Rice, affectionaly known as Cooks, was born on September 8, 1950, to the late Carrie Minor Rice and the late Levoy Rice in Huntsville, Alabama. He was educated at Sparkman High School. He loved fishing, watching sports (War Eagle!!), cooking, and family gatherings.

Leon confessed Christ at an early age, and was a member of Bethany Primitive Baptist Church of New Market, Alabama under the leadership of Reverend James Battle, where he loved to serve his community and the kingdom of God.

He is preceded in death by both parents; four brothers: Ronald Rice, Jacoby Rice, Sr., John Elle Rice, and Larry Rice; three sisters: Wandarine Rice Sledge, Sophia Mae Clark, and Waverly Rice Jones.

Leon leaves to cherish precious memories: his loving son: David Price; his loving daughter: Shayna Rice; one granddaughter: Sevyn Gilcrease; a brother: Levoy Rice; sister: Hattie Mae Rice all of Huntsville, Alabama; two aunts: Annie B Leopold and Christine Minor both of Huntsville, Alabama; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other sorrowing relatives, and friends.

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Funeral service for Mr. Elbert Leon Rice will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 .m. at Bethany Primitive Baptist Church with Pastor James Battle, officiating.  Interment will follow at a later date at Valley View Memorial Garden.  Mr. Rice will lie in repose at Bethany P.B. Church one hour prior to funeral service.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on  Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.