Karyl Julian Rice

Karyl Julian Rice, a longtime civil servant for the city of Pelham, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023. Karyl was born October 24th, 1944, to Gaitha McLlwain and J.T. Julian. She grew up in Cookeville, Tennessee, but spent a number of years with family in Alexander City during college at the University of Alabama. Nearing graduation from University of Alabama, Karyl wed James Michael Rice of Childersburg, Alabama, on November 4th, 1967, in Cookeville, Tennessee. The two moved to Texas for a few years before finally coming to reside in Pelham, Alabama. Karyl felt a calling in Pelham to help start a church congregation known today as Crosscreek Baptist Church. Also during this time, she sought to resolve local issues at the city government level by being elected to the city council of Pelham. She served to find resolution on a number of issues over her 39 years in city government. She contributed both her time and money to assist others to the point that she will be remembered by these good works.

She is survived by her husband James Michael Rice, daughter Karlyn Rice McCombs, son-in-law Danny McCombs, son Christopher Lawrence Rice, daughter-in-law Allison Maynard Rice, and two grandchildren Emma Katherine Rice and Abigail Grace Rice.

The Family will receive friends Sunday, July 09, 2023 between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 35244. There will be a Private Family Burial Service at a Later Date.

In lieu of flowers the family would invite you to consider donations to advancingsight.org.