Charles Austin “Charlie” Rice, 74, passed away on November 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, community service, and a deep love for his family and the great outdoors, Farmville Funeral Home reported.
A Life Forged on the Water and Woven with Service
Born on February 16, 1952, in New Bern, North Carolina, Charlie was the youngest of six children, a fact that instilled in him a profound appreciation for family bonds. His childhood playground was the Trent River, where he mastered the art of boating, water skiing, and even the daring feat of barefoot skiing. This connection to the water was not a youthful phase but a lifelong passion that saw him surfing at Atlantic Beach, snow skiing, and becoming an active member of the Grand National Waterfowl Association and the Eastern Carolina Yacht Club. Among his most cherished memories was a guest visit to Augusta National Golf Club, a moment he’d recount with characteristic humility, admitting his game was never quite worthy of the hallowed course.
The Accountant Who Built Trust from the Ground Up
Before he was a community leader, Charlie Rice was a man of meticulous detail and sound judgment. After graduating from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and earning a spot in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, he embarked on a distinguished 40-year career as a Certified Public Accountant. His practice, first in Rocky Mount and later in Farmville, North Carolina, became a cornerstone for many. He earned the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike, with many evolving into lifelong friendships. His professional leadership was equally recognized; he served as president of the Coastal Plains Chapter of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) and was elected by his peers to the Association’s statewide Board of Directors.
But his influence extended far beyond the numbers. Charlie’s civic spirit was a living part of the communities he called home. He led the Farmville Kiwanis Club and Farmville Country Club as president, lent his expertise to the local advisory board of Southern Bank, and served on the Board of Directors of the Dunes Club in Atlantic Beach.
His Greatest Source of Joy Was Family
While professional accolades and civic awards marked his life, Charlie Rice’s greatest source of joy was, without question, his family. A blind date arranged by his sister Penny brought him together with Gail Morris Fleming of Tarboro, North Carolina. That introduction blossomed into a loving marriage that spanned 50 years, a partnership built on a shared foundation of family and friendship. Together, they welcomed their son, Charles Austin “Chaz” Rice Jr., and later took immense pride in their family’s growth, welcoming a daughter-in-law, Claire Hudson Rice of Raleigh, and their cherished grandchildren, Charles Austin Rice, III and Chloe Anne Rice.
Charlie’s Catholic faith was an important and quiet guide, shaping his character. He was known for his humility, kindness, generosity, and integrity. He treated everyone with respect and believed in doing things the right way, a simple principle that left a lasting and positive impression on all who knew him. His legacy is carried forward in the family he loved so deeply and the friendships he carefully cultivated over a lifetime.
Celebration of His Life and Memorial Service
To honor his life, a celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Farmville Funeral Home in Farmville, North Carolina. The service will be followed by a graveside burial at Hollywood Cemetery, and a reception for family and friends will be held at Wood Plank Steakhouse, located at 3691 E. Wilson Street in Farmville. The family has expressed their profound gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Embassy Healthcare of Morehead City for their compassionate care.
In a final, fitting tribute to Charlie’s passion, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cape Lookout Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the very special place he loved his entire life. Online condolences can be left at www.farmvillefh.com.
