Kay Evelyn (Edwards) Rice

Kay Evelyn Edwards Rice, 78, of Green Creek, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Born on February 17, 1948, in Hanau, Germany, where her father was serving his country during World War II. After her father’s retirement from military service, they settled in Polk County, North Carolina.

She is survived by her sister, Rita Edwards Sports and her husband, Walker Sports of Green Creek; her daughter, Kimberly Rianne Wilkins and her husband, Charles High Wilkins of New Prospect, SC; her sons, Joseph Daniel Maddox and his wife, Rachelle Maddox of Las Vegas, NV and John Edward Maddox and his wife, Amy Elizabeth Denton Maddox of Charleston, SC; her grandchildren: Lindsey Wilkins, Camron Frost, Luke Maddox, and Lily Maddox; and great-grandchildren Logan and Caleb; and great-great-grandchild Holden. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph Rice (Bill); her parents, John Howard and Edith Lapp Edwards; and her sisters, Kim Edwards Pulfer and Elizabeth Ann Edwards Fisher.

Kay graduated from Polk Central High School and continued her education, then pursued a career in computer programming. She loved puzzles, movies, and her animals—even her crazy ones. In the last few months of her life, God revealed Himself to her and the family in amazing and loving ways . She will be greatly missed by her family, her extended family and many close friends, especially Ronnie and Tammy Watford who had a special place in her heart.

A graveside service will be 10 am Monday, July 13, 2026, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Rd, Spartanburg, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice House in Landrum, SC.

Sanders Funeral Home.

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