of England, AR
March 1, 1954 - March 24, 2024
Charles Van Rice, 70, of England, Arkansas was born March 1, 1954. It was on his 70th birthday that he learned of his cancer.
He left this earth on March 24, 2024. He was welcomed into Heaven by his dad, Carl; best brother ever, Brady and his in-laws, John Ford and Phyllis, Johnie and Kimberly.
Those left to carry on his legacy are his Wife and BFF, Diane; His children, Carly, Hope and Tim; His grandchildren, Adam, Keiran and Drake and a precious baby arriving this year. Van leaves his mother, Johnna and loving relatives Shelia, Steven and Erin, Brian, Rebecca and Ada; Along with nine great nieces and nephews. His life wouldn't have been the same without his ''other'' family, Evelyn ''Mom E,'' Shari, Rachel and Blake, Nick and MK, Lilli, Matt and Erin, Cash and Zoey, Dylan and Angel, Dalton and Chloe and Dayton; And our matchmaker, Patricia.
Van prided himself on telling people he was from the outskirts of Blakemore, Arkansas. He and Brady farmed there for over 30 years. Van loved to ''turn wrenches" and Brady loved the dirt. They made an amazing team. Van retired from farming on a Friday. He started his new profession the next Monday at Roper Auto Store. His love of cars and parts made him a great fit. The Roper's became his second family. He especially depended on Mr. Roy and Sandra, his Boss (inside joke).
Van was a quiet person who thoroughly enjoyed his life. He even learned to love the dirt with his knack for growing vegetables, flowers and whatever appeared in his back yard.
If you knew Van well, he had a habit of saying ''Ole Van is gonna die at that house'' and so he did. He requested that no formal service or visitation be held. His final ''instructions'', not wishes, will be carried out a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Roller England Funeral Home (501) 842-3939.
My name is Connie scrimsher Jenkins my dad Calvin scrimsher used to work for Brady rice my dad's been gone to heaven for 9 years but I remember the day he started working for the brave ride he used to work for Jack Davis from blakemore years ago he will be missed my dad used to talk about him all the time prayers with you and your family
As I remember in the 80's farming along beside him and Brady......Van was the calm, cool and collective one.....
Not only did Brady like dirt, he was also in the mix of buckshot mud .......
We had everything stuck.....combines, grain carts ......only piece of equipment not stuck was a 450 JD dozer.......some how we wiggled around and got free from the earth's powerful grip.......
Definitely was something to behold
Diane I'm so sorry to hear about Van I just found out yesterday he's up there with Brady n his dad sure gonna miss seeing y'all riding around the farm. ......My Prayers are with you
Diane,
Robert and I are just hearing this. I am so sorry and praying for you and family.
Love and prayers
Robert and Karen Peterson
I am so sorry for your loss All the Rice family were dear to me my heart breaks for all of you
Diane, so sorry to hear of Van's passing. Your family has suffered so many passings in the recent past. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Van Rice was a great guy and true friend. We were friends in elementary school and high school and went our separate ways after graduation. He was one of the few people that everyone liked and enjoyed being around. Van and his brother, Brady, were always nice to me and I much admired both of them. Van will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.
My condolences to his family.
Diane, we are so sorry to hear about van. Please know our hearts an prayers go out to you and the family in this sad time.
To all the family so sorry to hear of Van's passing. Prayers and thoughts.
We are sorry to hear about Mr. Van he was so sweet. Always so helpful. Mrs. Diane & Family we are sorry for your loss.
The Michael "Smiley" Burks family
Van always had a smile. Every time I saw him he would say “ hey cuz”. Even though I hadn’t seen him in a few years I will never forget him. R
Diane sorry to hear about Van didn’t know he has been sick. I have a lot of great memories of us being classmates. He will be missed. Sending hugs and I am praying for you.
Van was a long time friend. He and Brady have such a special place in our hearts. We offer our prayers and support for all of their friends and family.
How special it is to know people like you. Your eclectic charm Diane I just love I just know you were perfect for Van and I’m so glad you had so many years together I’m sure glad Patricia and Brady got it all planned. I miss my friend Brady I know they are kickin it in Heaven lots of love and prayers continue sweet Diane
Van was one great guy everyone loved him may he rest in pease in heaven this isn’t the end we will see him again praying for family for comfort at this time
I usually Never Brag on myself But, I have to this time, (I Did Good) because it took a few calls to get Van & Diane relationship started.....I just Thank God that Brady stepped in and got them married before they knew what was happening. There're not too many marriages that last over 20 years; This one was made in Heaven with Earthly Prayers. Van left Diane in Good hands.....(The Lord's Hands)! Much Love & Respect Always
Diane , we are so sorry to hear of Vans passing. He’s such a fun person. The boys loved chasing him down in blakemore to give him cantaloupe or something from the garden. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love and big hugs to you .
Van was a fine cousin, and so was Brady. They made a great team of cousins for us cousins down at Tomberlin. You left us with such fond childhood memories! “Farther along we’ll know all about it!” Grace Ellen Rice
Deepest sympathy to all family and friends. I can’t recall the last time I saw Van, it’s been a long time. We were good friends and near relatives as well as Sunday School members at Buckshot Baptist. Van, Bobby Williams, T.J. Candy Man and I held down the back row. Though we didn’t spend much time together the last 45 years or so, I always considered Van a good friend and I am proud to have known such a great man. Godspeed, my friend.
Sending love, hugs and prayers for comfort to Mrs. Diane and family!